FINANCIAL help is on the way for small projects that will play a part in establishing the future of one of North Yorkshire's market towns.

A special fund of £30,000 is being set up to support the small projects which, it is hoped, will play an important role in Thirsk's regeneration campaign.

The fund, which will make £10,000 available each year, has been set aside by Thirsk Regeneration Initiative in an effort to support individual schemes with a budget of up to £1,000.

The decision to create the fund is one of the Initiative's first moves since Yorkshire Forward formally approved its £340,000 action plan earlier this summer.

The action plan itself could bring a total of £1.6m into the town including matched funding.

Thirsk Regeneration Initiative chairman Lindsay Ross said: "We realise that there are many ways in which we can fulfil our mission of revitalising and regenerating this important market town and these proposals do not all have to be large, costly or elaborate. They can be small and simple.

"We are pleased to announce the creation of the Small Projects Fund aimed at smaller, simpler schemes which can support our regeneration aspirations in numerous ways."

He added: "This is a community initiative and, as usual, we are inviting local people who have any ideas for small schemes, which can contribute toward the improvement of the town and fit in with our regeneration brief, to come forward with suggestions and see if funding can be made available."

The Initiative has now moved into offices in Thirsk's Market Square above the town's new Tourist Information Centre.

Programme manager Harvey Dowdy said: "This location is ideal for me to keep in touch with local people and for them to drop in with ideas if they wish and I look forward to welcoming them."

Anyone with ideas for small projects is asked to contact Mr Dowdy on (01845) 524964 or 07764 892529.