Youth groups in Ryedale have benefited from a share of more than £13,000 of funding to buy equipment.

A total of 28 youth groups from the district are set to benefit from grants of up to £500 each in the latest round of funding from the Ryedale Regeneration Partnership.

The latest phase is the second round of funding from the partnership from this financial year, said co-ordinator Jos Holmes.

"Groups which will benefit include Malton Tennis Club, which wants to buy coaching equipment, and Norton Brass Band, which wants to buy sheet music and a cornet," she said. "Ryedale Youth choir will benefit from around £450 to buy amplifiers while Westow Cricket Club will get money to purchase junior cricket equipment; these are just a few of the groups which have benefited."

The grant scheme, which is part of Ryedale Single Regeneration Budget, is aimed at encouraging more young people to take part in activities that will benefit the community.

Any voluntary or community group which has a formal constitution, a self-controlled bank account and which benefits young people aged ten to 30 can apply for grant of up to £500, said Ms Holmes.

Updated: 10:54 Wednesday, January 17, 2001