AMATEUR arts groups in the county are being urged to take part in a study that could lead to more support.

The county council, district councils and the City of York Council have joined forces to commission the Voluntary Art Feasibility Study to find out more about amateur and voluntary arts groups in the county.

The aim of the study is to create a comprehensive database of groups and find out how local authorities can best support them.

A questionnaire will be sent out, copies of which are available in libraries and cultural centres all over the county.

Two focus group meetings are also being held to ensure that as many groups as possible are included.

The meetings will be held in the Priory Street Centre, in York, on January 16, at 2.30pm and 7pm. Each session is expected to last about 90 minutes.

City of York Council head of arts Gill Cooper said: "We know that 53 per cent of the population in the UK takes part in voluntary arts activities and we recognise the vital role they play in enriching local communities.

"However, we are conscious that because of the nature of the groups, we do not have a comprehensive, countywide database, and that makes it difficult for local authorities to provide groups with the sort of help and support they need.

"If anyone belongs to an arts group and would like to know how they could access funding support, make use of training provision, recruit new members and engage with new audiences, they should make sure they are involved in the study.

"We hope that the results will help all the local authorities in North Yorkshire provide better support to groups across the county."

Anyone wanting to attend the focus groups on January 16 is asked to contact Gillian Howells on (01748) 825362.