A DOZEN community projects spanning a toddler group play park to historical railway tours have now benefitted from a special fund.

Broadacres housing association has a Community Development Fund which awards grants of up to £500 to community-based projects in areas where it has housing.

A panel made up of Broadacres’ customers meets every three months to discuss the applications and the final awards for the year 2016/17 have just been made, bringing the total handed out to £12,000.

Among the projects which have received funding are, Thirsk Community Care, Hunton Parent and Toddler Group and The Wensleydale Railway Association Trust.

The Trust received the maximum £500 to help them reopen Scruton Station after a 13-year restoration programme which saved the building from ruin.

Gill Davies, community involvement officer for Broadacres, said: “Having visited several of the projects myself, it is clear what a difference this funding can make and everyone is so appreciative of the help we are able to provide.”