GRANTS totalling £18,000 have been given by North Yorkshire County Council to community projects in the Hambleton area.

The biggest sum, of just under £5,000 went to Thirsk, Sowerby and District Community Care Association, towards demolishing derelict garages and building an office, meeting room and workshop.

Stokesley Scouts and Guides is to receive £3,169 to provide a car park and footpath.

Helperby and Brafferton Sports Association is to get £2,500, towards the completition of a pavilion and providing an electricity supply, while £1,000 has gone to Bedale Hall Trust to help pay for new seating.

Topcliffe Parish Council is to get £1,300 to provide a community amenity at Toll Booth, and Kilburn Village Hall is to get £685 towards the cost of urgent building repairs.

A decision on financial help to Borrowby Agriculture and Horticulture Society, towards the purchase of 28 acres of land for its annual show, has been deferred.