A BID to rejuvenate a redundant Dales orchard as a community facility will be launched later this month.

Reeth Community Orchard Group is already celebrating a successful application for a Barclays SiteSavers Award worth £5,000.

However, the formal launch of the next phase of the project will take place at the Swaledale village's market on Friday, May 31.

It is hoped local people will get behind plans to restore the old walled garden behind the former Barclays bank.

The branch was one of a number to close when the company announced its streamlining proposals in 2000 - prompting a fierce campaign in Swaledale for a change of heart.

The bank has since mended its fences with the village by agreeing to sell the property at "an advantageous price" to a partnership which has pioneered plans for a rural resource centre.

Hudson House Ltd has won planning permission to convert the interior to accommodate a handful of affordable homes, meeting rooms, and a computer suite. There will also be a tourist information centre, police office and a counter where council bills can be paid.

The Community Orchard team is hoping to add space for leisure activities, education, training, special events and exhibitions in the grounds outside.

Apples from the trees would be marketed to help cover some of the costs.

Other plans include a community composting scheme, a plant sales area, and an apple recipe book comprising submissions written by local cooks.

A willing workforce to help with the restoration of the orchard is already waiting in the wings - including some staff from local branches of Barclays which survived the bank's rationalisation programme.

However, a Friends of the Orchard scheme will be launched on May 31, encouraging more people to become involved.

"We have applications in for other grants, but we will also need to do our own fundraising," said coordinator Jane Davies. "We are hoping that as many local people as possible will come to the launch to find out more.