AN ORGANISATION which secured more than £1.2m in grants for community groups in Hambleton district and placed 320 people in voluntary roles last year has been relaunched under a new name.

More than 100 supporters of Northallerton and District Voluntary Service Association, including Richmond MP Rishi Sunak, gathered to mark its rebranding as Hambleton Community Action, at the Village Inn, Brompton.

The body was formed in 1979 as a charity to support the development of new voluntary groups, support existing organisations and promote liaison between the voluntary sector and statutory agencies.

Hazel Kirby, the charity’s chief executive, said the organisation’s name had been changed to reflect the area the charity covered.

She said: “Although we are still based in South Parade, Northallerton, we are a Hambleton-wide organisation and thought the name should be in tune with the reality of us providing services to the voluntary sector across the district.

“We aim to provide a one-stop shop for volunteering throughout Hambleton,” she added.

Before cutting a cake to launch the new organisation, Mr Sunak spoke of the achievements of the old association.

He said it had worked with about 160 different charities and community groups and created five voluntary organisations over the last year.

“That is wonderful work and a tribute to the staff who make it happen,” he said. “I would also thank the hundreds of volunteers, many of them here today, who provide such a wonderful service through the many groups who help to make life in this area so much better for so many people.

“I am sure the HCA has a very bright future with its new branding.”

For details, visit Community House, South Parade, Northallerton, or call 01609-7802458.