A SMALL village, which has been the ancestral home of the Crathorne family since the early 13th century, is making its play area safe thanks to council cash.

After eight years of work by Councillor Bridget Fortune, ward member for Crathorne, a piece of land in the village was secured to create a village green which was opened in June 2012.

And its use has far superseded all predictions, resulting in the areas around the equipment becoming worn and dangerous.

George Cooke, chair of Crathorne Parish, explained: “The village now has more children than when the village green was created and is a focal point of the village.

“Now thanks to £1,000 from Hambleton District Council’s Making a Difference Fund, we have been able to buy and lay astroturf under the slide and swings to stop the erosion and give an even and safe surface for them to play on.

"We are also hoping to create a hopscotch area with additional astroturf for the younger children.”

The council also awarded a further £1,800 from the fund for additional car parking at Crathorne Reading Room. Cllr Fortune said: “It is great that the council is able to help small villages like Crathorne which I call my ‘magic corner,’ with projects that they cannot afford to fund, but ones which will make a real difference to the local community.”