A GARDENER is now able to work more efficiently and safely thanks to a grant from Richmondshire District Council.

Dave Parry of Dave’s Garden Tidy in Leyburn used the £728 from the authority’s small business grant scheme to buy new tools to not only help grow the business but to make sure he works safely, without the need for ladders.

It is one of 36 small business across the district to receive a share of £31,040 from the scheme which has gone towards new websites, promotion and marketing work, equipment and training.

It is the fourth year the scheme has offered grant aid, supporting 142 business with £120,000 – however it is now closed to 2017 applications as all the cash has been allocated.

“I am extremely grateful to the council for assisting me in this way, and enabling me to buy new equipment which is lighter in weight and means I won’t have to do work at height when tree pruning and hedging,” said Dave - who set up his business two years ago after spending 20 years working on landscaping and dry stone wall building.