HAMBLETON help groups are celebrating a series of grants awarded in the latest community lottery windfall.

Voluntary and charity groups around the county have been donated money to help them continue to offer their valuable services.

Hambleton and Richmondshire Carers Centre received a £5,000 grant to help them run a series of forums and information sessions which include training courses to help reduce the stress of carers.

Age Concern North Yorkshire was granted £1,760 to promote a new fitness scheme to encourage the over-60s to get fitter.

Awards have also been granted to parish communities including Alne, near Easingwold, which needed a new kerb to protect its ancient "plague stone". The stone was once the village's commercial meeting place where farmers and crafts people sold their produce.

Updated: 10:11 Thursday, December 19, 2002