Play areas in York and North Yorkshire have been given a £10,000 boost by the Lloyds TSB Foundation.

Simon Sedcole, business banking manager of York's Lloyds branch, with Fiona Hinchley and Laura Franks, both ten, at the climbing walls at Askham Bryan College playing field.

To celebrate the donation the business banking manager of York's Lloyds branch, Simon Sedcole, took time off from a seminar at Askham Bryan College to try out a climbing wall in the college playing field.

The meeting at the college was a regular one run by the York and North Yorkshire Playing Fields Association, which has received the £10,000 to help it promote the development of recreational facilities in local communities.

So far 600 people have attended the seminars to gain advice from this organisation, which provides a service well beyond the statutory provisions of local authorities.

Association secretary Eddie Benson said the seminars were open to anyone interested in providing high quality facilities for young people, which was particularly important in rural areas.

Mr Sedcole said the seminars gave invaluable guidance on how to provide safe and fun play facilities in local communities.

"I am delighted that the Lloyds TSB Foundation has been able to support the association in this work", he said.

"I just hope that children across North Yorkshire will enjoy the playing fields as much as I have today."

To contact the association call Mr Benson on 01904-645271.

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