BIDS are being made for £2.5 million of funding to create a sports village beside a 925-home housing estate.

Hambleton District Council has already secured £1.5 million from Sowerby Gateway developer Mulberry Homes to develop the site off Gravel Hole Lane, in Sowerby.

Its leader, Councillor Mark Robson, said work on the detailed designs was underway and bids for external funding are being made.

The sports village, which has been given planning permission, will include facilities for junior football, rugby, hockey and cycling, a grass running track, allotments and facilities for young people.

The project will bring together the district council, Thirsk Secondary School, local sports clubs, youth organisations and Sowerby Parish Council.

The facilities will complement those already at the secondary school as well as the existing skatepark.

Cllr Robson said: “The development will provide much needed sport and recreation amenities for the area.

“Seeing the signs going up is the next stage in getting work started on site.

The concept has been embraced by the local community, and we hope that once completed it will be managed by them.”