THE future of one of the most prominent buildings in the Craven Dales looks to have been secured.

Yorkshire Camps, a Christian charity that runs camps for children and young people, has taken over former residential school Netherside Hall, near Threshfield.

Volunteers are currently preparing the hall and grounds for an expected November opening.

The hall was recently bought from North Yorkshire Council for a reported £970,000 by the Liz and Terry Bramall Trust, a charitable foundation which supports organisations promoting Christian values.

The trust is leasing the building to Yorkshire Camps, which is in partnership with several other Christian organisations in the county.

Netherside Hall has been unused for the last three years and volunteers are being asked to help with renovations to the hall itself and the extensive grounds.

Yorkshire Camps leader Andy Peace said having the hall was 'an answer to our prayers'.

He said: "Having a permanent home is something we have wanted for a while and this is a major step forward.

"We intend to be open all the year round and will run camps for church youth groups, school groups and individuals. The hall is in a great location and has fantastic grounds - we are already working hard to make it a place where groups can enjoy a wonderful holiday and learn about the Christian message.

"We have received a very warm welcome from Grassington and Threshfield people and we are looking forward to being a part of the community.

"And we welcome anyone that can come and help us with the renovations. There is a lot to do, whether it be clearing rooms, rubbing down, painting and gardening, or perhaps someone has a particular skill or trade which would be helpful."

Volunteers made a good start to work on the hall itself last weekend, and they will also be creating outdoor games areas, nature gardens and an archery range, while en suite bathrooms will be built for the bedrooms.

Threshfield parish councillor Richard Bradley said that villagers seemed to be pleased that Netherside Hall was back in use.

And local county councillor Shelagh Marshall said she was 'really delighted' that the hall was to be used for educational and social purposes.

"It's a good thing that somewhere that used to be a school is to still to be used for young people."