SUCCESSFUL food projects and community groups were celebrated at an event showcasing the achievements of remote rural areas.

The Deeply Rural event, at the Dales Countryside Museum, in Hawes, was organised by Richmondshire District Council.

It followed the awarding of Beacon status to the authority last year for its role in supporting the rural economy and was attended by representatives from the Countryside Agency, Yorkshire and Humber Regional Assembly, other rural councils and local community groups

Beacon co-ordinator Kirsty Scott said that since being awarded the status the council had often been called upon to lend expertise to national events.

Among businesses making presentations were Dales Quality Meat, Wensleydale Creamery, Hawes Auction Mart and East Borwins Farm Abattoir, at Bainbridge.

A number of community success stories were also highlighted, including the community offices at Reeth and Hawes, and the Wheels 2 Work transport scheme.

Council leader John Blackie said: "This was an excellent opportunity to look at issues affecting sparsely populated areas."