Local groups are being urged to apply for a share in a fund of £10,000 which has been set aside to bankroll rural transport initiatives in the region.

The Hambleton and Richmondshire Rural Transport Partnership, which was set up 18 months ago, is urging local groups to apply for its "Get Up and Go" fund.

Over the last year, a wide variety of community organisations and projects have received cash from the group.

These include £616 to Easingwold Town Council towards the cost of a public transport needs survey in the town, £253 to Newton-on-Ouse Parish Council to fund a free monthly pensioners' bus service to York and £1,000 to Mental Health Support.

For more details about the possibilities of funding from the partnership, contact Kevin Holt on 01609 761206 or at Community House, 10 South Parade, Northallerton, DL7 8SE.

Updated: 11:30 Wednesday, April 18, 2001