CAMPAIGNERS working on a multi-million pound project to renovate an old railway station have launched a final push for funding.

Leaders of the Richmond Station Regeneration Project say £1.73m of money pledged from public organisations towards converting the building into a business and community centre is dependent on the local community contributing ten per cent of the £2.5m target.

Nearly £50,000 has already been raised, but a further £200,000 needs to be found by the end of September to ensure the plans are not shelved.

Jim Jack, chairman of the Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust, which is overseeing the project, is confident the target will be met.

"We are 90 per cent there, which is a great achievement in a relatively short period of time," he said. "It's now up to us as a community to show we want to support the station.

"We just need a last push to take us to the finish line."

He added: "If we weren't confident we could get the money, we wouldn't have started - we're playing to win."

The converted 19th Century building will include two cinema screens, conference rooms, a restaurant, offices and meeting rooms.

Plans have also been announced for a cheese manufacturing visitor centre and micro brewery.

Heritage Lottery Fund chiefs have pledged £690,000 towards the redevelopment, Yorkshire Forward has approved a £240,000 grant towards the project, and money has also been provided from the Architectural Heritage Fund. The balance will be made up with interest-free and low-interest loans.

Mr Jack said the community's share would come from three different sources: business sponsorship, donations from individuals and money raised through events.

"If everybody can give a little, we can reach our target just as easily as one or two giving a lot," he said.

"We would be grateful for donations of money, but individuals and businesses can also support the project in kind."

Fundraising events planned over coming months include an art exhibition starting on Saturday, June 4, and an Italian evening on Sunday, July 10, both to be held at the station.

If the money is found by the end of September, the trust hopes building work can start early next year, with the project completed in spring 2007.

To find out how you can help with the project, call (01748) 850123.