A SKIPTON based children's charity is just one Craven organisation to benefit from new councillor ward based grants.

Each member of Craven District Council has been given up to £1,000 to give out to worthy causes in their ward. But the trial scheme is due to run out at the end of March, and half of the total £20,000 budget remaining up for grabs, organisations are being urged to apply now, before it is too late.

Skipton Extended Learning for All (SELFA) was given £250 from Cllr Robert Heseltine, for its work in Skipton, and £500 from Cllrs Linda Brockbank and Ian Thompson for its work in North Craven.

Emma Pears, from Selfa, said: “We are delighted our charity has received ward member grants. The funding will ensure we are in a position to carry on supporting disabled, disadvantaged and vulnerable children and their families throughout the district.”

The charity has used the money to buy tug of war ropes, racquet sets, archery targets and dodgeballs, and has also funded an arts and craft workshop and a music workshop.

A number of councillors also supported Studio 1, run by acclaimed animator Virpi Kettum with illustrator Ellie Morley and storyteller Patricia Stienstra. A series of workshops around Craven at at Skipton Town Hall has shown children how to make an animated film

Other projects have included £250 for a defibrillator in Thornton-in-Craven, £250 for Settle Community Library, and £1, 250 to buy inclusive play equipment at Sutton Park.

Cllr Linda Brockbank said she was delighted that the council had been able to help so many groups.

"One of the successes of the scheme has been small scale funding for grass roots organisations that may not have previously applied for community grant funding. We’ve also seen improved distribution of funding across Craven," she said.

To find out how to apply for a grant, go to the council website cravendc.gov.uk/wardmembergrants - or contact ward councillors in person.