A company in the region is helping to divert waste from landfill sites.

It is the latest beneficiary of a European business development fund managed by North Yorkshire County Council.

Family-run Chas Long and Son (Aggregates), in Brompton-on-Swale, near Richmond, received £13,000 to help buy a waste material screening machine.

The screening machine allows the company to separate material collected from building and civil engineering sites and recycle it to produce saleable topsoil and recycled aggregate, such as concrete and brick.

Managing director Mark Long said: "We felt that, with the national push to divert waste from landfill, there was a gap in the market when it came to recycling waste materials from building sites.

"Of all the waste material we collect, 70 per cent is now being recycled and we are delighted to be able to play a part in helping the environment.

"We would not have been able to buy the screening machine if it was not for the help of the grant.

"I would have no hesitation in recommending it to other companies in North Yorkshire."

County council executive member for economic development Councillor Carl Les said: "Up to £600,000 is still available to other businesses in North Yorkshire and we would like to encourage more local companies in the dales, moors and coast area of the county to come forward to take advantage of this scheme."

The fund is running alongside another European grant administered by North Yorkshire County Council.

The Supporting Innovations Service is a non-capital grant designed to help businesses take advantage of independent business expertise and support.

Businesses that wish to be considered for either grant should contact Business Link, on (01904) 686000.