GRANTS totalling £374,000 have been awarded by the Big Lottery Fund to aid community projects in the Ryedale area.

Announcing them this week, Thirsk and Malton MP Anne McIntosh said: “These grants are excellent news and a great testament to the work done by people in the Ryedale community.”

The biggest award of £276,220 went to Ryedale Rural Community Transport – RYECAT – to enable its bus service to continue, improve and expand Ms McIntosh said: “The money will enable RYECAT to meet the needs of local residents even better. The project offers a range of transport options, including journeys for hospital and medical appointments, group travel to social events and shopping trips.”

Sight Support Ryedale received £54,500 to develop a number of out-reach groups, helping adults who are visiually impaired.

“Typically the beneficiaries will be elderly and people living alone, and those affected by other physical and mental disabilities,” said Ms McIntosh. “Due to the rural location and poor transport links, many people experience social exclusion, poor quality of life and depression.”

Kirkbymoorside Primary School will get £9,755 to buy iPads, computers and pay sessional tutors to provide music lessons and production workshops for youngsters at the school.

The newly-renovated village hall in Gilling East will receive £5,539 to buy equipment, including a computer, projector, screen and curtains.

“This will enable the hall to stage community activities, including on-line information access and performances, with the aim of reducing rural isolation,” said Ms McIntosh.