RESIDENTS of two villages and several hamlets will be able to win money for improvements in their area if they put forward good ideas at a public meeting tonight.

If worthwhile suggestions are put forward at the meeting in Gainford Village Hall, near Barnard Castle, they might be awarded European funding under Priority 4.

Ann Johnstone, regeneration officer for Teesdale District Council, said: "There are hundreds of thousands of pounds available under Priority 4. I would like to see as much as possible coming to this area to improve services and facilities."

Projects which can qualify include childcare, training and computer schemes, support for not-for-profit businesses, and work on footpaths and parks.

People from Gainford and nearby Winston are being invited to the event, which starts at 7.30pm, plus residents of smaller communities, including South Cleatlam and Little Newsham.

Projects already under way in Teesdale include a neglected field in Startforth, which is being turned into an informal park with a wetland garden.

A football pitch at Stainton Grove is being upgraded and a play area improved.

Footpaths in Flatts Wood, Barnard Castle, are also being renovated.

Ms Johnstone said: "There are dozens of other ideas that are slowly but surely being transformed into new local assets."

Anyone who cannot attend the meeting, or would like to know more about the grants, can call her on (01833) 696217.