The Yorkshire Yoga Centre Charity on Halfpenny Close has just received a grant of £65,700 from Sport England which will enable the centre to purchase its threatened premises.

David Gent, Regional Director of Sport England Yorkshire, said, "I'm so delighted that Sport England has been able to support Yorkshire Yoga and help the charity to create a permanent home for the fantastic work it does.

"The security of owning its Halfpenny Close centre will enable the team to offer even more choice and more sessions for people of all abilities long into the future."

The project has also received endorsement and financial support from Harrogate Borough Council, Knaresborough Lions, North Yorkshire Yoga Federation and the British Wheel of Yoga, the national governing body of yoga.

Founding Trustee-Director Laura Bissell explained "We were very worried that we were going to lose the premises -- the lease and option to purchase were due to expire in 2009.

"One of our charitable aims is to provide Yoga for people with disabilities for which we need heavy hoisting equipment, wheelchair scales and other specialist equipment.
"Without permanent premises to house the equipment, this work would have to stop.
"We are grateful to Sport England and the funding partners for helping to ensure the sustainability of Yoga for all ages and ability levels."