A CHARITY is asking residents to sponsor a piece of land.

Richmondshire Open Spaces Appeal (Rosa) is offering residents the chance to put their name to a square yard of land around Richmond.

In return for £1, sponsors receive a certificate.

Rosa aims to buy five areas of land surrounding the town to preserve for future generations.

Campaign organiser Stuart Parsons said: "This would make a perfect Christmas present, especially for the person who already has everything.

"It is also a good way of supporting a local cause and preserving an important part of the town's heritage."

The land available for sponsorship - at Westfield, Sleegill, South Bank, Jack King's Wood and Reeth Road Field - includes ancient meadows, woodland and riverbanks.

The land is the subject of a new book published by the charity.

Richmond Landscapes is written by historian Jane Hatcher and charts the history of each area of land.

It includes photographs and original maps.

Richard Morrell, who has sponsored the book, said: "I thought it was really important that people should be able to find out about the land that we are trying to preserve."

Richmond Landscapes costs £6.99, from Veronica Robson on 01748-824218, Castle Hill Bookshop or West End Post Office, both in Richmond.

Profits from the sale will go to Rosa.

To sponsor land, call Mr Parsons on 01748-823456 or 07714-217162.