A CHARITY for the homeless announced one of its branches had to close because of a funding shortage in February 2013 – only days after being honoured by the Prime Minister.

David Cameron presented Nightstop North-East – which offers emergency accommodation to homeless youngsters – with a Big Society award for its "invaluable service reaching out a helping hand to some of the region's most vulnerable young people" on February 19, 2013.

Days later, the Teesside branch of the charity announced it would close its office following a prolonged funding struggle.

Manager Jane Cavana, who had worked at the Redcar branch since it opened in 1997, criticised the Government for its lack of support for the voluntary sector.

She said the impact of central government cuts meant more charities and organisations than ever before are competing for the same sources of funding.

"Other charities that once relied on funding from their local authorities have had their funding stopped due to cuts and have been forced to start fighting for the same pots of money we relied on.

"Once upon a time, you could apply for four grants and get one, but now you are lucky if you get one out of ten.

There are going to be a lot of groups that will not survive this climate, and that means some vital services will be lost.

Potholes along the Tour de France route through the Yorkshire Dales would be filled in as part of a £400,000 repairs project, officials said in February 2013.

North Yorkshire County Council estimated the work would cost £400,000. The authority provided £200,000, with the rest coming from Richmondshire, Harrogate and Craven district councils.

A historic locomotive got a £50,000 makeover to prepare it for the 75th anniversary of the Mallard taking the world steam speed crown.

The A4 class engine Dominion of Canada had being undergoing cosmetic restoration at Locomotion: The National Railway Museum, at Shildon, in early 2013.

The Doncaster-built Gresley A4 Pacific was on loan from the Canadian National Railway Museum, Montreal, and the restoration work formed part of the deal.