COMMUNITY groups in North Yorkshire have been handed more than £1m in National Lottery funding to launch projects helping thousands of people.

A total of ten clubs and organisations in Richmondshire, Hambleton, York, Scarborough, and Craven have been awarded the cash by the Community Fund, which is the new title for the National Lottery Charities Board.

The schemes include an out-of-school project, an advice service for the elderly, an initiative to help disabled people and those with mental problems, and an information service for one parent families.

One scheme to benefit from the award is a project to tackle rural poverty among young people, which has been handed more than £170,000. Youth Clubs North Yorkshire has been awarded the cash to help more than 2,000 young people over the next three years.

The group offers help to youngsters struggling with drug addiction, alcohol abuse, disability, school exclusion, and career prospects.

Carers will also be able to set up a comprehensive counselling service, which will be on a one-to-one basis. Cash from the Community Fund will kick-start the initiative, and three youth workers are already in place to launch the project.

Tony Christon, director of Youth Clubs North Yorkshire, said the grant will also mean the group can take on volunteers to help with the project.

He said: "This grant will make a real difference to the lives of young people across the county. Our project will champion their needs and draw in other organisations to help broaden opportunities and build self-confidence."

Elaine Applebee, chairman of the Yorkshire regional awards committee, said the group had already piloted some aspects of the project, which will now be put in place to help youngsters across the county.

She said: "Young people in rural areas face many problems, and we are delighted to be able to support a project which will reach out and help them realise their potential."

The biggest benefactor from the awards will be Great Brougton Village Hall, in Hambleton, which has been handed more than £300,000.

The cash will pay for an extension to the existing hall, as well as a major refurbishment