CASH is still up for grabs to help projects get off the ground in the Yorkshire Dales National Park (YDNPA).

About £100,000 is available from the park’s Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) to help individuals, businesses, community groups or voluntary-sector bodies.

Andrea Burden, the authority’s sustainable development officer, said: “This year, we had £140,000 in total and, so far, about £40,000 has been allocated.

“That means we still have a large amount of grant money available, and we would love to hear from people who have great projects – no matter how big or small – they either want to get started or that are on-going and need some financial help.

“The project may be nothing more than a collection of thoughts and ideas but that doesn’t matter. An SDF grant can pay for the help and advice that will turn them into something more concrete.

“All we ask is the project should contribute in some way to looking after the National Park’s natural beauty, wildlife or cultural heritage, or it should promote opportunities for the public to understand and enjoy those things, while at the same time providing some local economic or community benefit.”

Some recent grants included £916.50 towards a Sedbergh Chamber of Trade project to create a four-minute promotional film about the town.

Last year, £9,900 went to Ingleborough Pony bus service, part of the Dalesbus Sunday Network, which gave visitors an opportunity to see the sights. The 38-mile route takes in White Scar Caves, Chapel-Le-Dale and Ribblehead.

Just over £3,000 went to ‘Art in the Park’ – a creative project designed by Bentham-based Pioneer Projects especially for people living with dementia and their carers.

It aims to increase awareness and access to the special qualities of the National Park by getting them involved in art activities that relate to the landscape, natural history and heritage of the area.

The project also trained a number of YDNPA staff and volunteers to give them the skills to work with dementia sufferers in the future.

More details about the Sustainable Development Fund can be found on the Park's http://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/living-and-working/sdf website.

People are recommended to get in touch before they submit an application. They can do this via e-mail to SDF@yorkshiredales.org.uk or by calling 01969 652337. Prospective applicants can also download an electronic application form and guidance notes via the website.