Richmond'S town centre manager has confirmed his imminent departure - but the leaders of the community's quest for a more vibrant future are confident they are still on track.

Ken Wilson has helped the historic market town win a number of grants from the regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward, as well as helping set objectives for the future.

Colleagues on the Richmond Town Centre Forum admit he will be missed when he takes on a similar challenge in Bishop Auckland, starting next month.

However, they are confident he leaves the town poised on the brink of a new era, with considerable cash injections from both Westminster and Europe a real possibility.

Reporting back to the town council this week, Town Centre Forum representative, Councillor Stuart Parsons, reminded fellow members that the authority would still need to commit itself to investing another £10,000.

"It is all about partnership and, if one partner appears unwilling to contribute, then there will be no more grants in future," he said.

However, with the town council subsequently agreeing to put its share into the pot, as much as £100,000 could now be on its way from other sources.

Meanwhile, Coun Parsons confirmed the forum was delighted with the response to a survey asking the public what they saw as priorities for the future.

Of just under 3,400 questionnaires sent out, 1,137 have been returned - a response rate of greater than 30 per cent, far higher than in many other towns around the country.

"We were told to expect about three per cent, so to get so many has been fantastic," he said. "Among the issues high on the wish-list was a cinema."

With £25,000 promised by Yorkshire Forward, the hunt has already begun for a new Richmond town centre manager.

A meeting on Thursday set out the job's specifications, and advertisements for the post are expected to be issued soon.