A COMMUNITY library group working to carry on the future of the service in Bedale is to launch a Friends group to raise money to keep it going.

The library is one of 20 across North Yorkshire which faces being closed unless volunteers take it over by April.

More than 120 volunteers have come forward and the aim is to work with the Friends group to organise fundraising events.

Organisers are appealing for fundraising ideas and said events could be held in the library area when it is closed. More than 90 volunteers have responded to a survey on how and when they could help and training is due to start in February.

A meeting will be held at Bedale Hall on March 2, at 7pm, to discuss the library’s future. For details, visit bedalecommunitylibrary@gmail.com