A LEADING charity has urged ministers to secure millions of pounds in European Union funding already agreed for the region before last week's referendum.

Between 2014 and 2020, York, North Yorkshire and East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership area is set to receive nearly £74 million in European Regional Development Funding.

This money is set aside to boost the economy and tackle poverty, and works out at £65 per head for 1,145,800 people living in North and East Yorkshire.

During campaigns for the EU Referendum, the Leave side said the money would still be available in the event of Britain leaving the EU.

However, the York-based Joseph Rowntree Foundation has called on those who eventually come to negotiate Britain's exit to make sure the money is not lost and and put a plan in place to support regional economic growth.

A spokesman said: "The official Leave camp promised to honour this money to 2020 – so it’s vital 1) the allocated money is not lost in the Brexit negotiations with the EU, and 2) the UK Government has a plan in place to support the regional economy after 2020, to ensure everyone benefits from economic growth."

Julian Sturdy, MP for York Outer, said he will be setting up a meeting to make sure money is kept in the area.

He said: "We must ensure that areas like Yorkshire continue to get the investment they need to drive economic development and prosperity. I will be asking for a meeting with the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding LEP to discuss the matter further, but we must not forget that this is actually our tax payer’s money – not simply the generosity of the European Union.

"Additionally, our existing arrangements with the EU are not going to change until we officially leave, which will be at least two years after Article 50 of the Lisbon treaty is triggered."