TWO businesses have been given a £10,000 start-up boost thanks to an initiative run by Darlington Borough Council.

Camilleri and Leach Limited and a franchise of the National Schoolwear Centre, owned and managed by Craig Vickers, have benefited from the Falchion Fund.

Electrical installation company Camilleri and Leach provides domestic and commercial services in the North-East and North Yorkshire. The company has been trading for less than two months and recently secured contractual work with a number of national property developers.

The company is looking to relocate to offices in Darlington and aims to increase its workforce early this year to support its rapid growth.

Craig Vickers' franchise, in Gladstone Street, provides school clothing and accessories including sportswear and dancewear. It also supplies Guide, Cub and Scout uniforms and accessories.

The Falchion Fund is a partnership between the council and HSBC Bank, with support from Darlington Business Venture and accountancy firm Clive Owen and Co. It offers loans to businesses over a period of up to five years.

David Lyonette, the council's cabinet member for Economic Regeneration, said: "The Falchion Fund is a great example of how the council and HSBC can work together with private sector investment to support business start up and development within Darlington."