A CASH boost of over £700,000 announced today will aim to stop the exodus of young people from Ryedale.

The Ryedale Regeneration Partnership has heard from the regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward, that it is to get £724,780 as the second instalment of its planned multi-million pound spending plan.

This slice will be used to make the area more appealing to young people born and bred in Ryedale - who are currently migrating out to find tempting job prospects and better social lives. It's thought the project will kick off with an 'Internet caf' for young people in Malton.

The cash from the Single Regeneration Budget, which can be used anywhere within the district, will have added to it other funds from the public and private sectors which should make a total spending for the year of £1,700,000.

The partnership, which includes Ryedale District Council, North Yorkshire County Council, North Yorkshire TEC, Derwent Training Association, local schools, the Fitzwilliam Estate, the North Yorkshire Business and Education Partnership, and Ryedale Council for Voluntary Action, has been given approval in principle for £2.283 million in grants.

The partnership is aiming to provide more of a choice for those seeking housing, employment, training, leisure and recreation opportunities in Ryedale.

Its five-year programme seeks to improve the confidence and employability of people up to 30 years old, enabling them to continue to live and work in their home communities.

But the team must have its "delivery plan" approved, outlining how the money will be spent in each financial year, before it can actually go ahead with its projects.

SRB co-ordinator Jos Holmes said the projects already being worked on included one to create an Internet cafe and drop-in centre for young people in Yorkersgate, Malton.

"It's a real opportunity to give young people something to do, particularly in the evenings, particularly in winter," she added.

About half the projects they anticipated developing had started now, but most were in early phases.

"The approval of our delivery plan is very important. It means we can carry on with the projects we have started, and we can start new ones.

"I think a lot more will visibly happen this year; people will be able to feel the benefit of them," said Mrs Holmes.