STUDENTS across North Yorkshire are to benefit from a share of a £1m Barclays investment programme.

Grants of up to £10,000 have been awarded to four schools in the county under the Barclays New Futures Scheme - the largest education project of its kind.

Every year, the scheme awards more than 140 grants to schools throughout the UK to encourage youngsters to undertake community-based projects.

Pupils at Wensleydale School, Leyburn, have been awarded £5,000 to develop a programme of community-based learning, encouraging students to interact with local people and learn about charitable work and develop specialist skills.

Headteacher David Eaton said: "The weeks of activity will bring together students and members of the community of all ages, from eight to 80.

"The students will gain invaluable life and work skills through the brainstorming, planning and organising of the activities. They will also develop strong relationships with groups from across the community."

Students from York are using their £10,000 grant to set up a northern centre of debating excellence. Once established, the pupils at Fulford School will organise workshop training and development sessions for themselves and for other schools nearby.

Two schools in the Harrogate district have also been awarded grants through the scheme.

Nidderdale High School and Community College, Pateley Bridge, will use its £5,000 award to raise awareness about good health and well-being. Several workshops will be run focusing on topics such as alcohol abuse, sexual health and drug awareness.

St John Fisher Catholic School, Harrogate, will use its £500 award to create a peer counselling group, providing support and advice for the younger pupils in the school.

Barclays began its New Futures award scheme eight years ago. Senior community affairs manager Morag Pavich said: "We have seen many projects the students have created make a real and lasting difference within their comm- unity."

Applications for next year's awards must be submitted before Wednesday, December 11. For more information call 020 7792 4949.