THE fishing village of Staithes has been given a grant of £1,000 to develop its St Peter's Centre project.

Bringing together various community interests, the scheme has developed out of a partnership between St Peter's Church and Staithes Arts and Crafts Group.

The grant was made by the county council's Yorkshire coast and moors committee.

It will help provide activities and facilities for villagers, including training, fitness classes, seminars and exhibitions by local artists.

The centre is set to become a hub for various organisations. Its spokeswoman Shirley Heselton said the village Boatmen's Association, North York Moors National Park Authority, Hull University, RNLI, harbour commissioners, and community education staff all wanted to make a base at the centre.

The centre grew out of a study of Staithes, which highlighted it as an area of deprivation despite its idyllic image. A project officer is to be employed to drive forward the initiative.

Other grants from the committee include Sneaton village hall (£2,000), Mulgrave Community Sports Association (£5,000), Goathland Parish Hall (£2,000), Festival on the Moor (£1,500) and Egton Bridge Writers' Group (£500).