THE North York Moors, Coast and Hills LEADER Programme has been launched with applications for funding invited from local businesses, individuals, communities and organisations.

The North York Moors National Park Authority (NYMNPA) has successfully secured £2.336m of European funding to support businesses and projects in the area until 2020.

This covers the North York Moors National Park, the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Vale of Pickering, the Heritage Coast from Filey to Saltburn, East Cleveland and the Hambleton Hills.

Applications are being sought from schemes which will deliver direct economic outputs, in particular the creation of new employment opportunities and capital projects that contribute to one of the following four themes:

l Farm productivity;

l Micro and small enterprise and farm diversification;

l Rural tourism; and

l Forestry productivity.

The North York Moors, Coast and Hills LEADER Programme is a partnership of private, public and voluntary sector interests who are working to support the rural area, the local economy and to address locally identified needs with bespoke innovative solutions.

The programme is looking to make capital investments in activities, projects, enterprises and facilities which will deliver economic benefits to the area, in particular the creation of new employment opportunities.

Amy Thomas, North York Moors, Coast and Hills LEADER programme manager, said: “The LEADER Programme is a great opportunity for farmers, small businesses and communities across the area. Support is available to help applicants develop their project and make an application and the executive group is looking forward to receiving a wide range of exciting projects later this year."

The first deadline for outline applications is April 5. Full details, eligibility criteria, guidance documents and the outline application form can be found on the LEADER Programme website at moorscoastandhills.org.uk

All grant applications received will be overseen by the LEADER executive group, a group of representatives from the private sector and voluntary enterprises along with the NYMNPA, North Yorkshire County Council and local authorities.

If anyone would like to discuss their proposed project in advance of making an application or if they have any questions or queries, phone Amy Thomas on 01439 772700 or email a.thomas@northyorkmoors.org.uk