GROUPS and individuals are being asked to come up with projects that would make a difference to their community - to take advantage of a £2.6m pool of cash.

The money is available between now and the end of 2013 to fund projects - both large and small - that will benefit the North York Moors.

Potential projects will need to demonstrate that they meet one or more of 12 priorities that fall into three main themes – sustainability, conservation and enhancement, and village renewal and development.

And people are encouraged to work together to address local needs be it tackling a problem or adding to an existing service or feature.

The funding is available from the North York Moors, Coast and Hills LEADER Programme, a partnership made up of local organisations, community groups and individuals.

It has secured money from Defra and the European Union through the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward.

Chairman Malcolm Bowes said: "The programme is an excellent opportunity to fund lots of different local initiatives and try new ways of tackling issues within communities.

"Think about what you would like to see happen in the area where you live – are there additional services or facilities that would make a big difference or perhaps you have a local heritage feature or some fantastic local produce that you’d like help shouting about. Whatever it is, we’d like to hear about it."

Rather than being administered by a regional or national organisation, the decisions about where the £2.6m is spent is in the hands of local people.

A local action group of more than 80 individuals who broadly represent the interests and communities of the area has been set up with a 16-strong executive making decisions on where the funding is allocated.

Further information on the programme and its priorities, including a Project Idea Form and details of how people can join the action group can be found at www.moors.uk.net/leader.

People can also email leader@northyorkmoors-npa.gov.uk or call 01439 770657.