ORGANISERS of projects aimed at improving historic sites in Richmondshire have been urged to apply for grants.

The district council yesterday opened its latest round of heritage grants, which will see £15,000 shared between conservation and history schemes.

Previous recipients included Scorton Parish Council, which replaced an ornate lamp in the village, and Richmond Town Council, which refurbished a memorial at Willance's Leap.

In Reeth, a grant of almost £6,500 went towards the £28,000 refurbishment of cobbles in The Mews. The work was carried out by local firm Blenkiron and Son, with extra funding from the Local Strategic Partnership's community fund, the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Reeth Parish Council, which managed the scheme.

Martin Bearpark, a Reeth parish councillor and district councillor for the ward, said: "The end result in Reeth perfectly sums up how we hope these grants can benefit communities.

"They are local projects, achieved in partnership with other funders, to improve areas of local heritage.

"I hope the council will receive applications from a wide range of groups who have identified something they would like to conserve, restore or improve."

Details are available from conservation officer Ann Smith on 01748-829100, or from richmondshire.gov.uk. The closing date for applications is October 31.