VOLUNTEERS aiming to improve facilities for village youngsters are pinning their hopes on winning grant aid.

Committee members at Beckett recreation club, in Nawton, near Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, have applied to National Lottery chiefs for £15,000 to upgrade their tennis and football facilities.

Another grant of up to £35,000 is being sought to provide play areas for children in the villages of Nawton and nearby Beadlam.

Club chairman Chris Rymer said: "We have applied for a Lottery grant from Awards for All of £5,000 to replace and renew the tennis court, and the football club has applied for almost £10,000 to drain the pitch."

She added: "We are looking to have an infant area, with model animals on springs and little slides, then more adventurous things for five to 11-year-olds."