A GROUP of friends have taken on a challenge to raise cash and improve their community over the summer holidays.

Sam Denton, 10, and friends Jake Gault and Max McCafferty, all from Crakehall, near Bedale, are taking part in North Yorkshire Police's Lifestyle Challenge, which encourages youngsters aged 10 to 17 to take on project to benefit their community.

Sam, Jake and Max have decided to raise funds towards new play equipment for the park in Crakehall – and Sam's older sister Lucy, 12, is also getting involved with the challenge by restoring a neglected pinfold in the village.

Future fundraising events include a coffee, cake and car wash at Crakehall village hall on Sunday, August 5 from 10am to 1pm and a sponsored scoot from Crakehall to Bedale and back on Friday, August 24.