THE economy in North Yorkshire has grown faster than the national average, a new study has shown.

This year's annual report by the Local Enterprise Partnership for York, North Yorkshire and East Riding, showed the economy had grown by 6.2 per cent between 2011 and 2013, compared to 5.8 per cent nationally.

The LEP played a key role in the recently approved £1.7bn investment in the potash mine near Whitby, and also aims to assist small businesses across the region through the Business Grant Programme, recently investing in 42 businesses, creating 420 jobs.

North Yorkshire County Councillor Chris Metcalfe, executive member for economic development, said: "It is encouraging to see the progress that has been made in helping businesses to grow and the ambitions for the coming years. The work of the LEP is vital in developing the vibrant, entrepreneurial economy of North Yorkshire and the wider region.

"Across the region, we have major opportunities, including potash mining and Dogger Bank wind farm. The efforts of the LEP are central to making the most of these opportunities by investing in people, infrastructure and transport links, while all the time helping the region’s many small businesses to grow."