AN AMBITIOUS plan to turn a crumbling former Yorkshire Dales schoolhouse into a community hub is taking shape after a £10,000 grant from a district council.

The National School, in Hawes, is being renovated by a couple who want to turn it into a centre that can host activities and events for both children and adults, with film screenings, theatre, music, puppet shows and yoga classes being planned.

Andrew Fagg and Emily Rowe Rawlence have been successful in gaining £10,000 from Richmondshire District Council’s communities opportunity fund, and another £1,000 from Hawes and High Abbotside Parish Council.

Mr Fagg said: “We are really grateful to the support of the district and parish council.

“The grants will make a huge difference to the facilities we can offer – it will mean we can buy a portable stage, tables and chairs, as well as a tea and coffee point, disabled toilet and disability ramp.”

It is also hoped that the National School will become a space for learning and personal development through workshops, masterclasses and skill sharing opportunities.

The Grade II listed building, on the banks of Duerley Beck, was built in 1845 next to St. Margaret’s Church, and for many years was used to teach children whose parents could not afford private schooling.

At around the turn of 20th century it became a community hall before eventually falling into disrepair.

Mr Fagg said the space is capable of seating around 60 people for an event. The venue will be available to the community free of charge 12 times in the first few years of its reopening.

The couple – who will live in the house next door which is also being renovated – are paying for the re-roofing and extensive repairs of the National School themselves.

The couple will be managing the venue and organising events with the help of local people.

Councillor John Blackie, leader of Richmondshire District Council and chairman of the parish council, said: “Thanks to Andrew and Emily we can look forward to the welcome return of the National School as an Upper Dales venue of key importance to our local communities.

“The programme of events and activities that will be on offer will be far more exciting than has ever been staged there in the past."

For further information on the communities opportunity fund, contact business and community support officer Samantha Coultish on 01748-901037.