A GRANT scheme set up specially to help grass root organisations support vulnerable Richmondshire residents has paid out thousands of pounds.

Eight community groups have benefited from a share of the £10,000 Richmondshire District Council coronavirus community grant.

Council leader Angie Dale said: “This scheme is offering small grants to local community groups which are doing an amazing job supporting residents,

“I am a member of the Colburn Hub which has made hundreds of sets of scrubs and masks to help through the emergency.

"People are giving up their own time through these groups to offer aid to neighbours and these grants can help them – it could be to pay for initiatives to support the wellbeing of residents particularly those living alone or for a community group to buy a printer to provide information to residents.”

To apply visit richmondshire.gov.uk/community-grants