A RYEDALE charity which supports people who are blind or partially sighted has set up a new group to help with fundraising activities.

Sight Support Ryedale, which is based in Malton, is aiming to raise funds for the organisation and help it become more self-sufficient.

Janice Every, chief officer, said a launch meeting at The Yard had been a great success.

"We had a real mix of people, which is excellent and some initial ideas for fundraising events are already being taken forward including a stall at Hovingham market, a bingo evening and a quiz night," she added.

"This new venture is really good news for the charity. It’ll help us to become more self-sufficient in our fundraising so that we are not so reliant on grants from Trusts in order to cover the costs of all the services we provide and the activities we offer for sight impaired people in the area.

She said: "The overall aim is to raise funds for the charity, but also for it to be fun."

The group will meet again next month in Pickering.

Anyone who is interested in getting involved should contact Sight Support on 01653 698860 or email sightsupportryedale@btconnect.com