WITH more than a year's work under their belt, members of a sports group are working hard to raise the profile of voluntary sports clubs in the Ryedale area.

Next on the agenda for the Ryedale Sport and Active Recreation Executive (RSARE) is the creation of a club contacts database and a website with promotional material.

When it was set up in summer last year, RSARE's aim was to act as a consultee for national and regional policy and funding issues on behalf of sports clubs in Ryedale.

Now the group wants to extend its role by creating a database to publicise the good work delivered by local sports clubs, said Malcolm Jones, chairman of the RSARE.

"We are working hard to ensure that the efforts of Ryedale's sportsmen and women are recognised and that local clubs benefit from national initiatives," he said.

"The database will provide vital information to ensure that parents, athletes, coaches and officials can be informed of local opportunities to allow them to participate in an environment that suits them."

RSARE draws together representatives from Ryesport, Ryedale District Council, national governing bodies, small voluntary sports clubs, large voluntary sports clubs, education, sports associations, voluntary organisations and youth groups.

The RSARE produces a newsletter which is sent to all members, libraries, sports centres/swimming pools and secondary schools.

For more information about the group, contact Ben Grady, community projects officer, on (01653) 600666.