TWO North Yorkshire causes are celebrating a sounder financial future thanks to grants from the Local Heritage Initiative (LHI).

The Fulford Battlefield Society, which is pledged to spreading awareness of the Battle of Fulford in 1066, has been awarded £25,000 to help with its work.

Meanwhile, Dunnington Through the Ages receives £4,700 to spend on projects which aim to find out if there were Bronze Age, Iron Age or Roman settlements in the area in the past.

Professional archaeologists will now be working with the Fulford Battlefield Society, following up on ground work done over the past two years.

It is hoped any finds will then become part of a mobile exhibition, which can be taken around schools, while aerial photography has been commissioned to help illustrate the site, which will also be the subject of a leaflet.

"This is the first large-scale project the group has proposed," said LHI advisor Dawn Shelford. "It is well planned and supported by English Heritage and a long-forgotten, yet significant battlefield will soon be back on the map.''

Meanwhile, schools and other local organisations, such as the Scouts and Guides, will be helping with the Dunnington scheme.

"Young archaeologists have also carried out finds, washing and surveying," said Ms Shelford. "They hope to report soon and have lots of ideas for future projects too."

LHI grants are still available to other communities interested in finding out more about their roots. More information is available by telephoning 0870 9000401 or online at www.lhi.org.uk