A CHARITY that helps struggling families with young children has been forced to close due to financial difficulties.

Home-Start Ryedale, which is based in Norton, was set up in 2007, and has supported more than 100 families with young children over the past nine years.

It recruits and trains parent volunteers to support families finding it hard to cope and support parents to improve their confidence and build better lives for their children.

Over the years it has worked with hundreds of families and worked with a number of other agencies, including Ryedale Food Bank, Children’s Centre and health visitors.

Home-Start Ryedale is part of a network of more than 300 Home-Start schemes based in local communities in the UK

A spokesman said: "Home-Start Ryedale is a local, well respected charity has taken the difficult decision to close.

"Home-Start Ryedale, has supported families in the area since 2007, through a team of volunteers trained and supported by a staff team. The decision was not made lightly and is due to the immediate and long-term financial viability of the charity.

"The trustee board would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable support of the volunteers, staff and other agencies in enabling the delivery of the Home-Start service to more than 100 families with young children in the past nine years".

A celebration of Home-Start Ryedale’s achievements will take place at Oscar’s, Ryedale Community and Leisure Centre, Bowling Lane, Norton, on Thursday, November 10, from noon to 2pm.

Staff, volunteers and families past and present are invited to attend. Phone 01653 693551 to confirm your attendance.