Plans to create a multi-purpose venue for outdoor events in the heart of Herriot Country have been unveiled.

Land in the Hillside area, near Thirsk, is on the verge of being transformed into an ideal venue for rural shows and sporting events.

The Hillside Rural Activities Project (Rap) group is hoping to buy and develop a permanent facility in the area as a location for a range of outdoor activities, which would, in turn, provide a boost to the local economy.

And local people are being urged to have their say at an important meeting taking place today.

The scheme has been made possible by an injection of European cash, as the Hillside ward is the only one in the Hambleton district to qualify for Objective 2, Priority 3 funding.

Community leaders are hoping to see more than £450,000 pumped into the area over the next six years.

If it is given the go-ahead, the new venue would provide a permanent home for the Borrowby Show and could be a focal point for other rural events, including farmers' markets and craft fairs.

As the site develops, it could also be used for caravan rallies and as a base for the Hillside Scout group's county and regional activities.

Councillor John Thorpe, chairman of the Hillside Local Development and Employment Pact steering group, said: "This development will make a significant contribution to the local community.

"It may also be possible for the existing football and cricket clubs to utilise the site with improved family-friendly facilities.

"Add to that a properly maintained play area, conservation and wildlife corners, and recycling points, and the facility will be an all-round community project."

An independent consultant has been appointed to produce a feasibility study and action plan for the project.

Peter Standing, from the Warrington-based Business Environments Group, will be at Knayton village hall today, from 9am until noon, to show details of the project to local people.

Details of the Hillside Rap are also available on-line at www.hillsider.co.uk.