A CHARITY which provides work experience for people with learning difficulties was celebrating yesterday after getting a windfall that will help guarantee its future.

Chopsticks, in Northallerton, is one of a number of causes in North Yorkshire to share a £44,000 payout from the National Lottery's Awards for All programme.

As well as providing work opportunities, it offers a garden care scheme for elderly people, and placements for employment services.

The charity operates from rented premises off Springwell Lane, but the area has been identified in the local planning blueprint for housing use in the medium to long-term.

It will be using its £5,000 award to fund a feasibility study regarding an environmentally-friendly replacement building.

Development manager Colin Walker said: "This could certainly take two to three years. We will have to do a lot of fund-raising, and will also be making applications for grants to the Lottery and other bodies.

"Hambleton District Council are making 19 acres available opposite Standard Way, and we are aiming to purchase an acre."

Other grants in the latest round of Awards for All include £5,000 for Hutton Rudby Fishing Club.

It plans to use the cash to buy fishing rights on the River Leven, which flows through the village.

At Great Ayton, the junior cricket and football club will be able to improve its facilities after a grant of £3,695.

It plans to use the award to help establish three mini soccer pitches, pay for coaching courses and buy sports equipment.

"Awards for All is steadily making a real difference to communities across the region," said Paula Ritchie, a senior officer with the awards team.

"There is so much positive community activity taking place and we are proud to give our support."

Other local groups to benefit include the Jigsaw Pre-School in Northallerton, with £1,735; Ingleby Greenhow and Easby Village Hall, £2,000; Tholthorpe Village Hall, £2,184; Easingwold Singers, £3,375; Huby Memorial Village Hall, £3,500; Brompton-on-Swale Village Society, £2,084; Bedale High School, £4,993; St George's Archery Club, Harrogate, £3,007; Burton Leonard Bowling Club, £3,300; and Kettlesing Memorial Village Hall, £4,600