COMMUNITY projects around Helmsley are set to benefit from money given to the local authority by developers.

The so-called 'section 106' money, totalling £46,370, was given to the North York Moors authority as a condition for granting planning permission for the new development of 21 homes at the rear of the Black Swan.

A town consultation followed, during which potentially eligible projects could bid for funding.

In a letter to Helmsley Town Council, planning director Chris France has now announced which local projects will benefit from the funds. Though he admitted that not all the projects could be funded, he wrote: "We have managed to ensure that virtually all the projects will receive a level of funding, the vast majority being 100 per cent of the amount sought."

Among the beneficiaries will be Helmsley Primary School, who have been granted £1,100 for repairs to their climbing frame, £690 for raised bed gardens and £3,300 for a new sensory garden.

Headteacher Tim Hiley said: "We're absolutely delighted. The children put a lot of work into putting the projects together, and we're very grateful for the response of the community.

"It's going to make a huge difference to the school's outdoor education opportunities, and be a great opportunity to grow things and teach the children about sustainability."

Other recipients of the funding include Helmsley Bowling Club, who have been granted £2,500 for improved access and new viewing area, Helmsley Community Library, who will benefit from £6,000 towards their extended service programme, and Helmsley Walled Garden, who are granted £4,633 towards their community kitchen.

Helmsley Scouts' camping for all programme is awarded £1,600 and the Helmsley Town Hall Trustees' renovation of the Town Hall will receive £6,023.

The other significant awards are to be made to the Helmsley Recreation Charity Projects, with £10,000 going to the outdoor gym, £2,289 for play equipment, £1,750 for pavilion heaters and £6,485 for refurbishment works to the swimming pool.

Among a number of considerations, the North York Moors authority had to take into account the level of public benefit from a project, whether it had lasting benefits, whether there was a commercial element, and how it relates to the Helmsley Local Plan, particularly community facilities and environmental infrastructure.

The funds will be released to the authority when the development's sixth dwelling has been built.