A SCHEME to safeguard the future of village shops will receive a donation of £1,500 from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

The North Yorkshire Village Shop Development Scheme is part of a countrywide programme aimed at maintaining and improving the performance of village stores to prevent further closures.

The scheme was launched by the Rural Development Commission in 1996 and during its first year of operation has already awarded grant aid to several shops, including those in Giggleswick and Long Preston.

"This contribution is an expression of the authority's support for this important element of village life," said a report to members.

The national park authority has also agreed to contribute £1,000 towards the North Yorkshire Small Project Fund.

The fund provides grant-aid for small-scale social and economic projects, and has supported a number of schemes in Craven since its establishment in 1990.

Eligible projects vary from playgroups and small tourist initiatives to improvements to village halls.

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