ARTS projects across the county will benefit from a share of more than £40,000.

The region's arts development agency, Yorkshire Arts, has given grants to 21 organisations in the Yorkshire and Humber area.

The cash will fund artworks for hospitals in Whitby, entranceways for picnic areas in Ryedale and a chamber music festival in York.

Andy Carver, of Yorkshire Arts, said: "These projects and artists involved in them will produce some outstanding work, which will then be experienced by thousands of people."

The £11,900 awarded to Ryedale District Council will pay for Sheffield artist David Mayne to produce picnic entranceways in Norton and Malton.

Mike Brown, the council's community projects officer, said: "This is an exciting project for the two towns. We hope that the entranceways will become a source of pride and an attractive landmark for the towns."

Staff and patients at hospitals in Whitby will also benefit from the grants, as £4,700 has been awarded to Hospital Arts for North East Yorkshire. The organisation has commissioned digital artist Anna Sherwin to spend six weeks at the hospital and produce artwork for the walls.

And £23,800 has been awarded to the York Late Music Festival, an event which annually brings performers to the city. The money will also help pay for CDs of the concert and local performers to be produced.

To apply for funding, call (01924) 455555.