GRASSINGTON'S ambitious millennium project has received the royal seal of approval.

The £600,000 scheme to transform the town hall was one of 10 projects in Yorkshire to receive a charter in the inaugural awards made by the Duke of York's Community Initiative.

Project chairman Dr Andrew Jackson received the award from Prince Andrew at a ceremony in York. And the Prince agreed, in principle, to perform the official opening of the project later in the year.

Dr Jackson hopes the award will provide the key to unlock the last £20,000 needed to complete the fundraising drive.

"The most important thing it can do is to helps us with fundraising," said Dr Jackson. "But I think it does great credit to the village. It has been a real community effort ."

Grassington received a grant of £300,000 from the Millennium Commission towards the scheme, but villagers have raised a further £80,000. Other money has come from a variety of grants.

In deciding to award a charter to the project, the Community Initiative judges visited Grassington. "It is an excellent example of community commitment and initiative," the citation stated.

Prince Andrew said it was in its fledgling stage but he was confident it would develop in future years.

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