SCHOOLS in Craven have been able to carry out a range of environmental projects thanks to the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust.

The Clapham based charity has given out grants of up to £1,000 through the Youth Environmental Action Fund.

It is now inviting applications for the next round of funding - but they need to be made before Monday, June 4.

Aimed at children and young people from 11 to 24 years old, it offers money and support to set up and deliver small scale environmental projects.

Money has been given to Settle College towards its Permaculture Project to create new raised planting beds and a watering system for the greenhouse.

Funds have also been given for a new bike rack at Skipton Girls' High School to assist with its sustainable transport policy, and to Skipton Academy for recycling bins.

Sarah Deane, project officer at YDMT, said: “It’s a pleasure to be able to give groups of enthusiastic young people a helping hand to put their eco ideas into practice. It just so happens that many of our recent grants have been awarded to school-based groups, but I would really welcome applications from any young people, including youth groups and community groups who may have ideas to benefit the wider community."

She added the charity was currently working with a group in Skipton towards the improvement of a piece of unloved, public land.

Grants of between £50 and £1,000 are available to cover up to the whole cost of running events, meetings or workshops aimed at promoting green issues in local communities.

Grants are also available to finance environmental work that will improve the area.

To be eligible for a grant, applicants need to be between 11 and 24 years old and applications must be made before midday on Monday, June 4.

To find out more visit: ydmt.org/action-fund or contact Sarah Deane at Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust on 015242 51002 or email sarah.deane@ydmt.org.