LOCALS have backed Settle's ambitious plans for the future and their support could bring the town its best Christmas present ever - funding totalling thousands of pounds.

Well over 300 people visited Settle Chamber of Trade's exhibition at the Victoria Hall detailing its plans to boost jobs and businesses in and around the town.

Representatives of Yorkshire Forward, a Government-funded agency, were impressed with the level of support shown at the exhibition and the Chamber hopes they will now look favourably on its application for funding.

Steve Finch, business development officer for the Chamber of Trade, said: "They have said that they will announce before Christmas the extent of the funding being made available.

"It is very difficult for them to announce anything to us as there are bids in from the whole of North Yorkshire, but they have indicated they are looking positively at our application."

The Chamber's aim is to make Settle more prosperous with more opportunities for young people, existing businesses and farmers.

Its members want Settle to be a town with thriving businesses, offering higher salaries, affordable housing and quality tourist attractions.

Mr Finch added: "We were quite amazed. We had 350 people through the exhibition and the reaction was very positive. There was a real mix of people, including local businesses, local communities and headteachers from the schools.

"Yorkshire Forward were very impressed by the amount of interest and commitment.

"People wanted to find out what we have been doing and this was an opportunity for them to ask relevant questions of all the people that were there. There were also four presentations on the project 'Turning opportunities into action' which were very well received."

The Chamber hopes to hear before Christmas if its funding application has been successful.

If so, the money would be used to support commerce in the town by establishing a mail order business for farmers producing niche products, encouraging young entrepreneurs through educational initiatives and expanding markets through the internet.

Large scale projects include plans to establish wet weather visitor attractions, the renovation of the town centre and the provision of affordable housing and business premises to keep talented school leavers in the area.

It is hoped that these, combined with the existing attractions of the Dales, the Three Peaks and the Settle to Carlisle Railway, could draw in high spending tourists which are vital to the economy.