COMMUNITY projects can apply for cash towards projects that aim to improve the lives of families in the region.

The Community Strengthening fund was set up by North Star Housing Group to support communities across Teesside and Teesdale where it owns properties.

Small grants up to £250 and larger windfalls up to £2,500 are awarded to projects that have a beneficial impact on their local community.

Initiatives must help people improve their employment and skills, provide access to services, improve the health and wellbeing of local people or support children and young people to reach their potential.

Projects that have previously received funding include Barnard Castle Cricket Club and Middlesbrough-based Sew2Work.

The cricket club won £1,250 to improve facilities at its ground and has started work on a new seating area for spectators.

Development officer John Walker said: “It’s been great to see more and more people using the club as a community hub, but a proper seating area was sorely lacking.

“Thanks to the funding from North Star, supporters are able to appreciate the new seats, especially in the early part of the season, as they will be protected from the cold winds that often sweep across the ground.”

Sew2Work is an enterprise and training programme set up by Teesside charity Open Door North East to support refugee and migrant women facing poverty. It was awarded £1,750.

Peter Locke, community investment officer at North Star Housing Group, said: “The Community Strengthening fund is about building communities from the inside out.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to work with more projects like this to help local people in our communities grow.”

For details or to apply contact Mr Locke at peter.locke@northstarhg.co.uk or on 01642-796217 by Friday, February 20.