A PROJECT dedicated to the revival of a North Yorkshire town hopes to secure its future by becoming a charity.

Community leaders feared the work of the Richmond Swale Valley Community Initiative (RSVCI) would stop when regional developmeny agency Yorkshire Forward withdraws funding in March.

But it is now hoped the project can be sustained through charitable status - a move which could release extra grant money.

Peter Warne, RSVCI chairman and owner of a grocery business in the town, said: "I am ready to fight for this community partnership.

"Funding is essential if we are to improve the area."

The move could protect the job of town manager Colin Grant.

Mr Grant said: "The Charity Commission has said in a letter they will grant us charitable status within the next six weeks.

"We will then get down and submit some serious bids to fund the things we're doing.

"The town has made significant progress but there is still a lot to do.

"I would be heartbroken if all the work put in by the RSVCI had to stop when the job is only half completed."

Mr Grant said the partnership, which was formed in 2003 with the merger of the town centre forum and the Richmond Partnership, had already proved its worth.

He said: "Two years ago we had 18 empty shops in Richmond, but have managed to reverse that trend.

"Recently, we've had one or two people come and ask us if there are any premises available, but they are all under offer and two need repairing."

Mr Grant said the partnership had also helped to "boost substantially" the numbers of tourists visiting Richmond.

Other work by the partnership includes the introduction of ghost walks and the publication of an events guide for the town.