THE Duke of York visited North Yorkshire to meet business leaders and listen to a presentation by community award winners.

Malton charity group Ryedale Special Families was among those which gave a presentation to the Prince at the Majestic Hotel, in Harrogate.

The group, which offers advice and support to parents of children with disabilities, was presented with the Duke's Community Initiative Charter Award earlier this year.

The scheme is designed to recognise the efforts of the Yorkshire region and encourages groups to work together and capitalise and invest in the skills necessary to promote leadership in the community, and enterprise diversity.

The Duke said: "I'm delighted to have presented 55 community awards since the inception of the scheme in 1997.

"Through this recognition of outstanding examples of community initiative, I hope that we can continue to develop partnerships with and between the public, private and voluntary sectors."

Updated: 10:59 Wednesday, December 19, 2001