COMMUNITY groups in York and North Yorkshire have been given more time to get their hands on their share of £25,000.

Localgiving.com, an online fundraising platform for charities, is extending its North Yorkshire campaign, which has already raised over £90,000 for local groups.

The top five charities that raised the most during the last match funding campaign earlier this year included:

Whixley and District Community Cricket Club which raised £11,248 for its work providing opportunities for young people between the ages of seven and 21

£6,971 was raised by Clarence Gardens Association in York, which provides a day service for people with mental health issues and learning disabilities

Burniston and Cloughton Bowls Club based in Scarborough raised £5,153, a group which offers a friendly environment for all age groups as well as partially sighted and handicapped players to take part in bowling

York Tornadoes Basketball Club raised £4,710 for its work providing an affordable and safe environment for people of all abilities to play basketball

The scheme allows charities to have donations made through Localgiving.com matched pound for pound from a pot of £25,000 from the The Peter Sowerby Foundation which was set up by Whitby GP and medical entrepreneur Dr Peter Sowerby.

The extension of the programme will see the campaign continue through to June next year allowing local charities free access to online fundraising, training and match funding.

Nick Dodd, Localgiving.com North Yorkshire coordinator, said: “The success of Localgiving.com in North Yorkshire really highlights the strength and vibrancy of the communities we have in the region. It shows that lots of people care deeply about their localities and sustaining the charities within them.

"The further funding from The Peter Sowerby Foundation will enable many more charities to benefit from match funding and online fundraising, ultimately ensuring that their essential work in North Yorkshire continues."