PLAY areas for youngsters across the Hambleton district are to benefit from £200,000 in lottery cash.

The money has been ring-fenced by the Big Lottery fund for children's play in the district - if not used, it will go back into general funds.

So now the district council has allocated £7,000 to develop a local play strategy, to unlock the cash and identify projects.

"This money cannot be accessed by local community groups by any other way than through the district council," said Hambleton's head of leisure and tourism, Dave Goodwin.

"We are already committed to helping improve children's play across the district, but we are very keen to get involved with this scheme to bring even more cash into the area."

The authority will work with Richmondshire District Council to develop the play strategies for each area.

Community and voluntary groups will be asked for their input.

Money for the lottery is expected to come on stream from November this year.