MORE than £20,000 has been handed out to improve Richmond Town Centre.

Richmondshire District Council has given the money to the Richmond Swale Valley Community Initiative to help the organisationpromote and encourage investment in the town. The money comes from £100,000 which Tesco donated when it opened its store at Catterick Garrison.

The cash can only be used to reduce the impact of the superstore on the town centre.

Projects already in the pipeline include the retail excellence awards, a shopping and eating guide and promotional posters and leaflets.

Money for the projects is also provided by Richmond Town Council and Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency.