STAFF at a charity which works to improve the quality of life of communities in Craven are celebrating after learning that their funding will continue.

Members of Rural Action Yorkshire, which operates as part of the national Action for Communities in Rural England network (ACRE), feared they would be severely hit by Government cash cuts.

But the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which largely funds ACRE, has confirmed that it will maintain its investment of £2.3m in the network for the coming financial year.

Thousands of people signed a petition in support of the organisation, which was sent to Secretary of State Elizabeth Truss.

Rural Action Yorkshire offers support, training and resources to communities and often works with the elderly and the vulnerable.

Its chief officer Leah Swain said: “This is great news for Rural Action Yorkshire and the nationwide network of 38 rural community councils that operate across the country. I want to thank everyone who showed their support for rural communities and the work that we do. We have been really touched by the messages of support and the stories we have been sent about how our staff have supported rural communities over the years.”

ACRE dates back 90 years and is made up of 38 rural community councils across England.