A TOWN'S orienteering club is hoping to raise its profile after being awarded £4,155 in National Lottery funding.

The Swaledale Outdoor Club, in Richmond, will be using the money in partnership with Richmondshire District Council to develop the sport locally.

Orienteering will be on the timetable at eight local primary schools and two secondary schools, and an introduction to orienteering course will be run for teachers and community group leaders with the aim of increasing awareness.

The funding will also be used to design a permanent orienteering course for local people at Round Howe picnic area, in Richmond, and a course for people with mobility difficulties on Batts Field, Richmond.

Club member Liz Blanchard said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to develop the sport of orienteering in Richmondshire. I am thrilled to be a part of this important project that will hopefully encourage many people to participate on a regular basis."

The group will be organising orienteering events at Round Howe and Batts Field on a regular basis.