GRANT funding has ensured the future of an arts and crafts organisation in Richmondshire.

Three years of funding from the Arts Council of England means Richmondshire Arts and Crafts Guild can take on a part-time administrator.

The guild was set up with the help of Arts in Richmondshire, the district arts development agency, to bring together and promote artists and craftspeople.

Andrew Hague, guild chairman, said: "We are committed to producing arts and crafts of a world class standard and are absolutely thrilled to receive this very significant funding award which will allow us make Richmondshire a thriving centre of arts and crafts."