A RESCUE package aiming to revive a struggling community centre was unveiled yesterday.

Council chiefs have pledged up to £35,000 to help promote Middleham Key Centre after its financial difficulties were revealed earlier this year.

The cash was promised by Richmondshire District Council, which has drawn up a "robust" business plan outlining its hopes for the centre over the next year.

Civic leaders say they are placing the emphasis firmly on stepping up marketing activity for the centre, which is used for a range of community events and training courses.

The efforts to generate more income are being led by the district council, in partnership with Craven College.

The business plan is the first phase of a three-year strategy to take the centre to the stage where it can stand alone as a successful community and commercial venture. The facility was recently awarded extra Government funding and the partnership is looking to build on that success.

Council leader John Blackie said: "The district council is assisting with the future running and development of the Key Centre at the direct request of everyone involved in the original bid for Rural Challenge funding, including Yorkshire Forward, Government Office in the North East and the county council.

"It is felt we are ideally placed to help build on what has been achieved so far by the voluntary board of trustees, so we are prepared to support the centre, certainly over the next year to test its long term viability and then possibly for a further two years.

"The new business plan sets out a challenging agenda for the next few months, during which time we will be carefully monitoring our progress."

However, Coun Blackie said the council could not make a major financial contribution until the initial progress had been reviewed.

"Whilst we cannot at this stage commit long-term funding for the centre - that will have to depend on progress in year one - I am still confident the new business plan will help the centre achieve its full potential as an excellent community facility for Middleham and the surrounding area," he said.