Professional businesses in York and North Yorkshire are being called on to donate their expertise to community projects in 2005 - and reap the benefits of being involved.

The New Year call to action is spearheaded by the North Yorkshire team of Business In The Community, which is dedicated to improving companies' impact on society.

The organisation is urging professional services such as solicitors, architects, and accountants to "make a difference" by taking part in the popular ProHelp programme which matches skills with community projects.

Companies taking part can witness a host of benefits such as seeing their employees' morale boosted - along with improvements in staff retention.

York architects Fining Associates and McNeil, Beechey O'Neill are already donating their expertise.

Mike Fining, of Fining Associates, has offered architectural help to Friends Of Dodsworth Hall, to revamp the premises at Nether Poppleton, as well as at Richmond YMCA and Masham Town Hall.

Terry Beechey is redesigning the parish rooms at Sowley, near Ripon, and is participating in the revamp of the Northallerton HQ of Chopsticks, the community organisation for people with learning difficulties.

ProHelp spokesman Graham Eastwood said: "ProHelp has amassed a strong track record in North Yorkshire in a short space of time, with professional firms in the area coming second out of the 40 groups nationwide in offering the largest amount of pro bono assistance.

"However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep pace with the ever-increasing applications for help and we welcome inquiries from professional firms, including funding consultants who can set aside some time and witness the rewards of helping a great project to get off the ground."

For further information on how to get involved with ProHelp, phone Mr Eastwood at Business In The Community on 01423 568987.

Updated: 09:32 Wednesday, January 05, 2005