A GROUP providing activities for older people in rural Ryedale is set for a £10,000 boost.

Ryedale Carers Support is getting the grant from the Big Lottery Fund for its Rural Lifelines project, which delivers social activities for older people in rural areas to reduce loneliness and social isolation.

Isabelle Harrison, rural activities co-ordinator with the project, said: “I’m delighted to be working with Ryedale Carers Support, helping isolated older people in the community to access social activities in rural areas.

“A huge thank you to the Lottery for making it happen.”

Another local cause set to receive a grant is Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team.

The volunteer-led search and rescue service are receiving £3,840 in order to purchase a defibrillator and associated equipment so they can deal with cardiac arrests while out on rescues.

Ian Hugill, of SRMRT, said: “Defibrillators are proven to save lives.

"When we recently procured a fourth vehicle, we identified a defibrillator as a key piece of medical equipment for it to carry.

“We are thus delighted to receive this grant from the Big Lottery helping us 'save lives in wild and remote places’.”

Across Yorkshire and the Humber, £9.5 million has been awarded in National Lottery funding. The money, raised by players for good causes, is being distributed by the Big Lottery Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK. In total, 265 community projects in the region are receiving a share.

James Harcourt, England Grant-Making Director at the

Big Lottery Fund, said: “We can see how the money raised by players for good causes helps to bring ideas to life and gives people the opportunity to work together for the good of their community.

“We’re proud that our funding supports people who have identified what matters to them and their community and who want to make a positive change.”

The Big Lottery Fund distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes.

As part of last week’s announcement, it has revealed that it is making grants totalling £54 million going to almost 1,800 community organisations across England.