AS much as £1.5m could be in the pipeline to help regenerate one of North Yorkshire's market towns and its surrounding villages.

A series of community projects could find funding through a huge cash injection into Thirsk and its hinterland.

It follows approval by the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward of a £340,000 action plan put forward by the Thirsk Regeneration Initiative.

The funding, through the market towns initiative programme, is conditional upon the sponsors of schemes providing match funding for action plan projects.

The initiative's chairman, Lindsay Ross, said: "Approval by Yorkshire Forward of our action plan will be a significant boost to the town and its surrounding communities and follows a great deal of hard work by local people.

"The response from local people who have come forward with project suggestions has been very enthusiastic.

"I have every confidence that the action plan will be successful and will contribute towards the long-term, regeneration of Thirsk and in particular help boost areas such as tourism, training, employment and economic output."

Match funding for the projects is now being sought from various sources including property owners, local authorities, housing associations, community groups and local businesses.

One of the first of the schemes is the Thirsk Clock - a youth and community centre planned for the Market Square area.

As well as providing a safe meeting place for young people it will double as a training and learning facility for the wider community.

The Thirsk Festival has already been given a grant and other projects expected to come to fruition include the conversion of vacant accommodation to provide flats, new tourism promotional literature, better signs and financial help for the local tourist information centre.

Also under consideration is the refurbishment and enhancements of areas such as Long Street, Castlegate and Castlegarth.

"We hope that the town will start to see lasting benefits over the coming months," said Mr Ross.

"However, this is only the start of a three-year initiative and we will continue to review the situation."

Anyone with ideas for projects should contact Harvey Dowdy on 07764 892529.