A drive is under way to increase access to the arts across the Hambleton district.

The district council is to appoint an arts development officer with financial assistance from Yorkshire Arts.

The role will involve liaising with other organisations from the voluntary, public and commercial sectors to increase public access to arts opportunities.

It is hoped the range and number of arts events will also be extended and the refurbished Hambleton Forum, in Northallerton, will be developed as a venue during the hours it is not used by community groups.

Over the past year visits by children's theatre companies have been encouraged during the school holidays and an arts festival - the Zest Fest - was staged in September.

"We want to boost the arts across Hambleton," said head of leisure and tourism Dave Goodwin.

"That could be by seeing more theatre in the district or it could be art and craft exhibitions. Hambleton already has many arts groups working hard in their communities to stage events. The appointment of this new officer will boost that work."

The post will begin in April and is for a two-year period