A COMMUNITY arts scheme is seeking £50,000 from local businesses to extend its services in North Yorkshire.

Rural Arts, in Thirsk, is seeking the funding as part of a £300,000 scheme to develop part of its site.

The centre, on Westgate, is in Thirsk's old courthouse and it is seeking to re-develop the old clerk's house section.

At the moment the clerk's house is in use but the scheme will open it up to allow more groups to access its facilities.

Yorkshire Forward and the Arts Council for England, Yorkshire have already pledged £250,000 for the structural works.

But Rural Arts needs £50,000 to equip the old clerk's house to make a media studio, a training room, kitchen and other facilities.

The work will also include creating total disabled access throughout the Rural Arts site with a lift to be fitted too.

Rural Arts also provides an Outreach service where it visits local villages so they can access its facilities.

The funds will be used to help extend the Outreach service so more people can access Rural Arts services.

The centre has dubbed its appeal Hands Up For The Arts and its staff are hoping that local businesses sign up to help.

Angela Hall, Rural Arts director, said: "This is about providing the resources and the equipment to go inside.

"We are going to draw up a kind of list of things we need for the building that locals or businesses could help us with.

"For example at the minute we have the funds for IT equipment but we do not have the funds to buy the tables and chairs to go with them.

"Any gift large or small will be gratefully received and this is the chance to give a gift in kind and a chance to build relationships."

The Yorkshire Forward and Arts Council Yorkshire, England funds are secured and the structural work is to start next month. (oct) The project includes work to the foundations of the old clerk's house and it is set to be completed by the end of May next year.

Anyone interested in helping the Rural Arts project can contact them on 01845-526536 or visit www.ruralarts.org.