COMMUNITY groups and parish councils in the A1 corridor area of Richmondshire are invited to a meeting to look at attracting funding to boost services in villages.

The meeting at Scorton Village Hall at 7pm on Monday, has been organised by the Community Investment Partnership (CIP), which hopes to draw together all interested groups.

The CIP is one of six in Richmondshire and aims to enlist professional consultants to produce a ten-year plan for the area, which includes 23 villages from Brough with St Giles parish, near Richmond, to Croft, near Darlington.

Melva Steckles, CIP chairwoman, said: "We hope to help all the parishes to produce transport surveys and parish plans to help the CIP, parish councils and all the community groups work towards drawing down funds to improve and enhance the A1 corridor for the future."

Further information is available from Mrs Steckles, tel 01748 830555 or 833214 or fax 01748 831197