AMBITIOUS plans to improve transport links for people in rural areas have been drawn up under a new partnership.

The initiative aims to establish a series of schemes to make it easier for residents of isolated communities to get to services from hospitals to cinemas.

The Hambleton and Richmondshire Rural Transport Partnership has been given the chance to apply for grants worth up to £250,000 over the next three years to develop new projects.

The partnership is launching a £10,000 fund, open to community groups putting together transport schemes.

Partnership officer Kevin Holt said: "People can apply for grants that will in any way improve community transport.

"It could be that they want to do a survey to see if it is worth establishing a local transport group, train minibus drivers or hire a minibus."

The money cannot be used to buy vehicles, although it can be spent on minor alterations, and grants ranging from £100 to £1,000 are available.

The partnership is also aiming to establish a brokerage scheme, putting groups or individuals in touch with community transport services.

Groups which own minibuses will make them available when they are not in use.

Mr Holt said: "There are lots of vehicles, particularly 16-seater minibuses with wheelchair access, that are not always used.

"Even the busy ones are only normally working during the day Monday to Friday and there is lots of availability at weekends and evenings.

He said the partnership was also aiming to set up community-based transport schemes to coordinate activities in each area, initially looking at the Catterick and Colburn and Thirsk areas.

More information is available from the partnership at Community House, 10 South Parade, Northallerton, DL7 8SE, or from (01609) 761206.