A LASTING tribute has been created in memory of a parish councillor who served his local community for more than 40 years.

Ross Thompson, who died in June last year, had lived in and worked for the village of Copt Hewick, near Ripon, since 1956.

After his death, his family and friends donated £1,000 in his memory towards improvements to the village green and a play area - a scheme which was close to his heart.

Now the parish council has secured additional funding to provide safety grass and dog-proof fencing for the play area and improve the car park alongside.

The environmental body Yorventure, backed by Northallerton-based Yorwaste, has given a £3,500 grant to the project.

Harrogate Borough Council has contributed a further £900 and residents will provide free topsoil and voluntary help.

The project has been led by Parish Councillor Steve Carrigan, who said: "We are a small community with a growing population, so the play area improvements are very important.

"We have a constant struggle to raise funds so the generous donations, as well as people's voluntary time, are very welcome."

Mr Thompson was chairman of the parish meeting for many years, was involved in other local organisations and was also secretary of the village hall committee for more than 30 years.