A SERVICE which helps older people, those with disabilities and their families and carers is celebrating after being awarded £6,000 to carry on their work.

The Teesdale Disability Access Forum, which is based in Barnard Castle, helps more than 4,000 people a year with everything from general guidance to dementia projects.

The small charity was set up in 2000 by Nevil and Brenda Singleton and is run by chief officer, Anne Henderson and a team of committed volunteers.

Volunteers must raise £60,000 a year, with Ms Henderson saying the most recent grant from the Masonic Charitable Foundation was a huge help.

"This chunk is making a huge different to us - it will enable us to pay the rent and provide the projects so we are really grateful," she said. For more information call 01833-631000 or email teesdaledisability@btconnect.com