LOCAL “dragons” have donated more than £20,000 to charity.

At the Dragon’s Den-style evening held at the Orangery in Settrington last Wednesday, business leaders from a range of North Yorkshire companies awarded money to five small charities working across the district.

The dragons - including philanthropists such as James Lambert, best known for his R&R ice cream empire, Tim Rymer of JSR Farming Group, and Linda Fenwick of Shell Design, who is also the next High Sheriff of North Yorkshire - heard a pitch from each of the five charities describing what they do and why the funds are needed.

They then decided among themselves how much money each charity would receive.

In the end, Interactive Whitby & District and Community Furniture Store Ryedale were each awarded £7,000, Art Therapy Yorkshire and Leyburn Arts & Community Centre received £5,000, and Sleights Men in Sheds won £4,000.

This made a total given of £28,000 with an “audience award” of £500 going to Interactive Whitby & District.

Funds from the “dragons” were partially matched on the night by the Two Ridings Community Foundation. The event was co-hosted by the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, Chris Legard. He said “We are trying to highlight some grassroots organisations who without events like this, wouldn’t get funded.

“I am very excited to be working with Two Ridings Community Foundation to draw attention to the fantastic work that these organisations are doing to help people in North Yorkshire.”

A grassroots organisation was defined as one with either no or few paid staff, supported by volunteers and with an annual income of under £100,000.

Jan Garrill, chief executive of Two Ridings Community Foundation, said: “The event aimed to showcase local grassroots charities and Two Ridings Community Foundation’s role in supporting them.

“Thanks to Chris Legard, high sheriff of North Yorkshire, the Dragons and the audience, it has not only been a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable evening but more importantly five grassroots charities go away knowing that they can carry on doing what they do best.”