A COMPETITION to recognise the best rural community projects has been won by a scheme based in Catterick.

A1 Community Works Ltd has won the Village Ventures competition run by the Yorkshire Rural Community Council (YRCC).

The scheme has been awarded £300 for its work in delivering a programme of activities, including preparing parish plans, setting up car clubs, establishing a village learning centre and childcare projects.

The project also has a community equipment loan scheme and provides office and business services.

Two highly commended runners-up were the Upper Dales Childcare Partnership and Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival.

The Upper Dales Childcare Partnership won £150 for its work in supporting families and young children in and around Hawes.

It is based within Hawes Community Primary School and offers initiatives for children aged up to 14, including a pre-school breakfast club, after school club, kids zone and a holiday club.

The Villages Ventures competition has been running for more than ten years and aims to recognise and promote voluntary projects in rural areas that benefit the community.

Sally Rawlings, chief executive of YRCC, said: "Congratulations go to these three schemes and to the many other high quality entries.

"It is fantastic to see so many people carrying out voluntary work for the benefit of their local communities. I am delighted that YRCC can play a part in helping to ensure that this good work is given the recognition it deserves."

YRCC is an independent charitable and voluntary organisation working across rural areas of North, South and West Yorkshire and the City of York.