A HERITAGE scheme to help people trace family trees and to tour a rural churches graveyard has been boosted with a £4,050 grant.

Aysgarth Church, in Wensleydale, has been given the funds via the National Lottery’s Awards for All scheme.

It will be spent on hosting the event in July which will include graveyard tours, a churchyard party, guided walks and assistance with family history research.

There will also be a photographic display of interesting people buried in the churchyard within the church.

Canon Sue Whitehouse said: "We are very grateful for the grant from Awards for All.

"This will enable us to provide an opportunity for local people and visitors to participate in and enjoy the fascinating heritage of Aysgarth church and this area."

The free event at the church is open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, July 11, and from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday, July 12.

On Saturday, July 11, from 10.30am there will be two eight- to nine-mile guided heritage walks from the church and places should be booked.

On Sunday, July 12, there are guided walks from the church to Castle Bolton from 1.30pm and to Carperby and Freeholders Wood from 2.30pm.

The weekend includes a concert by the Wensleydale Chorus on Saturday, July 11, at 7.30pm.

For further information contact the church's heritage officer Pip Land on 01969-663362 or visit www.pipspatch.com.