A GRANT pot of £250,000 for community causes has been given the green light - double the amount awarded in previous years.

At a meeting of Hambleton District Council’s cabinet this week, members approved the grant which will benefit community projects across Hambleton.

A total of 51 community projects will receive grants from the council’s ‘Making a Difference’ fund with the largest grant of £16,650 going to East Thirsk Community Association to help with refurbishing their community hall.

The council fund has been split into five £50,000 pots, one for each sub-area of the district - Bedale, Easingwold, Northallerton, Stokesley and Thirsk.

Ward Councillors will consider each application and recommend their final choices to cabinet for approval.

Council leader Mark Robson said: “Putting money back into communities is really important as it makes a direct difference to peoples lives and in making sure our towns and villages continue to be thriving, attractive places people can enjoy for years to come."