Funding for Jubilee celebrations

The one-off fund is being made available as part of left over revenue from this year’s Community Chest, launched by the council in 2007 to increase support for volunteers and community groups.

The funding will make around £1,000 available to up to six projects celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee that can show large-scale community participation and that will benefit a large number of residents.

Coun Anthony Alton, Harrogate Borough Council cabinet member for resources, said: “Community groups play a huge role in providing many essential services and activities in our district and like the public sector they are facing difficult economic times.

“We know from previous years that there is a very positive impact on the community from these grants and this scheme delivers an excellent return on this investment from public funds.”

The Diamond Jubilee will take place around an extended weekend in 2012 between June 2 and 5, to mark 60 years of the Queen’s reign.