A Government initiative is helping to bring properties which have been standing empty back into use throughout the Harrogate district.

In Harrogate, Ripon, Masham, Borougbridge, Pateley Bridge and Knaresborough, Harrogate Borough Council said there were 850 homes, which had been empty for a long time.

The council's housing department welcomed the fact that the issue of empty properties was being taken more seriously by the Government.

A council spokesman said: "One way of providing more accommodation without having to build from scratch is to look more closely at what we already have. This is why we are looking to get empty properties back into use."

Five schemes in the Harrogate district have already provided 12 affordable homes, with two more under way.

In Ripon, two properties in North Street have been converted into four flats.

This conversion follows last year's renovations of two derelict shops and conversion of two houses in North Street into four affordable homes.

The council's spokesman said: "Thanks to grant money, there has been a distinct improvement in the look and ambience of this street.

"It has also benefited owners and tenants in the immediate neighbourhood.

In Boroughbridge, an empty listed building has been turned into a tourist information centre and council office with a flat on the first floor. In Knaresborough, flats have been created on upper floors in the High Street.

Grants are available to owners of empty properties.

Owners must enter a lease with a housing association. Funding of up to £24,000 a unit is available, dependent on the length of lease.