A YOUTH scheme that was facing closure because of a funding crisis is now on the road to recovery.

Ryedale Child and Youth Projects has been saved by help from Ryedale District Council and a £25,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund.

The scheme runs youth clubs, sports and arts nights across Ryedale.

In September, project manager Andy Brown warned that it may have to close after the council refused its applicat-ion for a £20,000 grant. Further match funding to run the group was then lost and activities had to be cancelled.

Mr Brown said: "It was a drastic situation and part of a wider problem. We have been project led and have ended up chasing funding all the time.

"This is what leads to these funding crises. What we need to do is take a backward step and review the organisation and work towards building it, so it is in a position where it operates from a stronger base."

He said the project was assisted by development workers from the district council, who had helped him to take a more objective look at running the group.

"If we see ourselves through this period, we will be in a better position to secure funding and deliver the sorts of projects that we have been delivering in the past," Mr Brown said.

"The support from people has been huge. We have had lots of people coming to us saying they value the events that we put on - children, young people, parents and volunteers."

Mr Brown started the scheme five years ago to work with children and young people aged from four to 16.

As well as supporting and helping set up youth groups, it has organised events for young people across Ryedale, run discos and music events, developed a mobile resource centre and provided employment for youth workers.

The organisation is the area's biggest independent youth scheme and worked with 5,000 young people and their families last year.

District councillor Helen Schroeder said: "We were all looking to a future for the Ryedale Child and Youth Projects.

"I think everybody recognises that the project does some very valuable work and I'm sure most people will be very pleased if we find a way forward."