A PROGRAMME which develops inclusive sports activities in Hambleton has received a cash boost.

Tesco’s in Northallerton has awarded the district council £2,000 from its ‘Bags of Help’ scheme – where it uses the money raised from carrier bag sales to fund local projects.

Customers then vote in store with blue tokens for the project they want the money to go to.

Councillor Mrs Bridget Fortune, portfolio holder for leisure, said: “The grant will be used to purchase more equipment for our multi-sport activities which are fully-inclusive sessions for people regardless of their physical or mental ability.

“We are very grateful to everyone who voted for this scheme in Tesco’s at Northallerton, Thirsk and Bedale and look forward to extending the inclusive sports programme.

“As well as improving the health and wellbeing of people, these sessions look to help address the social isolation and loneliness that many of our residents face.”

The grant will also pay to set up two new Primetime Groups - a sports initiative predominantly aimed at older people.