A HANDFUL of Darlington community groups have been granted funding awards from the National Lottery.

Three associations in the town have benefited from the latest round of grants given out by the the North-East regional committee of the National Lottery's Awards for All scheme.

A total of £8,696 has been given out by the awards body, which aims to help voluntary groups and organisations with funding.

Haughton Junior Badminton Club, which provides facilities for eight to 16-year-olds, will use its grant of £3,204 towards paying for coaching, extra equipment and the cost of hiring venues.

The Lottery award of £1,760 will be used by Parklands district guide association to buy camping accessories for two guide companies.

The group covers guide groups at St Augustine's in Larchfield Street, Polam Hall school and St Columba's church in Clifton Road.

Hurworth Comprehensive School plans to start an extra-curricular rugby club for pupils aged between 11 and 14 years old.

The school hopes to make links with rugby clubs in Darlington to encourage progression into club rugby.