A LEGACY has benefited seven local charities serving the Ryedale community.

Ryedale Charities Together (RCT) includes Acorn Community Care, Helmsley Walled Garden, Next Steps, Ryedale Carers Support, Ryedale Community Transport, Ryedale Special Families and Sight Support Ryedale.

Through Will Week, funds have been distributed to the seven charities to help those in need in Ryedale. Each October, local solicitors have supported Will Week by drawing up wills and donating the fees to Ryedale Charities Together.

A legacy was received at the end of 2017 from the estate of Alan Smith and Anya McCracken, of Great Edstone, which bequeathed £15,000 to each individual charity.

Ken Gill, manager of Ryedale Community Transport, said: “As a result of the generous legacy we have been able to purchase another fully accessible vehicle which will help provide vital transport for the residents of

Ryedale.

"It will enable elderly, disabled and rurally isolated people to access local shops, facilities and services in the district, helping to combat the problems of loneliness and isolation."

Next Steps Mental Health Resource centre will use the legacy to support people who suffer with enduring mental health issues.

Leisa Burniston, service manager, said: “This kind donation will sustain our much-needed service and without legacies such as this we would cease to exist.”

For more information about RCT, email Jane Cass, RCT co-ordinator, at ryedalecharities@gmail.com or phone 01653 699922.