OPINION on the Euro may vary, but one North Yorkshire council has voted unanimously to continue using another unusual currency.

Richmondshire District Council has been part of Swaledale Local Exchange Trading System (Lets) since 1998, earning "cobbles" in exchange for the use of its office facilities.

A "cobble" is a favour done in return, and rather than calling them in, the authority passes them on to charity groups.

About 200 have gone to the St John centre, at Catterick Garrison, which has been able to bolster its volunteer workforce, or hand the "cobbles" on as rewards for work well done.

The council has agreed to remain a member of the Swaledale network indefinitely.