A PROJECT to transform an historic building into a modern arts and media centre is now well under way.

The first phase of the scheme, at the Old Courthouse in Thirsk, should be completed next month, at a cost of £300,000.

The courthouse, which dates back to 1885, was bought by local charity Rural Arts North Yorkshire ten years ago.

Once the project is completed, it will provide the town with a venue complete with specialist lighting and sound facilities, full disabled access and an induction loop, in addition to interesting historic features such as listed plasterwork.

The project has attracted substantial funding, including a £70,000 grant from Arts Council England, Yorkshire, one the largest awarded in the region.

As well as providing Rural Arts with the badly-needed facilities to expand its growing programme, the centre will also be available to hire as a venue for events ranging from small-scale conferences to community activities.

The fundraiser for the project, Jane Redfern, said: "The space has been transformed and will be a huge asset, both for Rural Arts and the area."

She said: "I'm now busy researching and progressing funding for the second phase of the project, which will redevelop the remaining areas of the building into a new media studio, traditional workshop and studio areas and provide much-needed new space for our staff team."

Other funding for the project has so far come from the Adapt Trust, Yorventure, the Rotary Club, Thirsk Infant School Library Trust, Hambleton District Council, the Travers family, Lloyds TSB Trust, North Yorkshire Fund for Disabled Access and SRB funding.

* Rural Arts, a registered charity, delivers a programme ranging from new media and film to traditional and performing arts across North Yorkshire.

It aids individuals and groups to achieve artistic outcomes that build confidence and skills.