FEARS that a community project would have to shut have been eased thanks to a National Lottery grant.

Funding of almost £70,000 of Community Fund has secured the future for Northallerton group Breathing Space, which provides trips for adults with learning disabilities.

Breathing Space manager Gina Tye, whose son has a disability, said the grant was a turning point for the group, which faced huge financial difficulties last year.

She said: "We rely on grants and donations and it has been difficult to keep up with the costs.

"We had to put the activities on hold last summer and there were fears that Breathing Space would fold.

"This grant, along with a £25,000 award from Lloyds TSB, has really given us hope; we can look ahead now with more encouragement."

Breathing Space was launched in 1994 and has more than 150 members in the Hambleton area.

Mrs Tye said: "It is an absolute lifeline for these people who otherwise would have nowhere to go and meet people.

"I really believe in this scheme. It is the first step on the ladder for greater independence, confidence and self esteem.

"Our aim is to make our members feel as independent as possible and make them realise they can do anything with a bit of help."

The scheme also offers respite for carers, a job that Mrs Tye said could be very lonely.

"It allows them to have their own social life, while the members are looked after by the group's own carers and volunteers," she said.

"Our volunteers do a remarkable amount of work to help run the activities, they are very valuable people. They should be the ones who are thanked because they are proof that there is still a lot of good will out there."

Anyone interested in becoming a Breathing Space volunteer can contact Mrs Tye, on (01609) 779420.