A THREATENED learning project has been thrown a lifeline in the form of a £5,000 grant.

The Learning Library, a registered charity loaning toys and equipment to people with special needs, set up a pilot scheme last year to work in east Durham.

Established in Spennymoor in 1986, outreach workers already visit members in Sedgefield, Teesdale, Wear Valley and Darlington.

But despite a growing membership, the Easington scheme lacked the funds to continue.

Now Durham social services and Easington Primary Care Trust have stepped in with a further grant of £5,000 which will provide breathing space for the library while it seeks long-term funding.

Jackie Heslop, co-ordinator for the Learning Library, said: "This funding financially secures the service in Easington for at least another year, and will enable us to recruit a further part-time worker.

"We know from feedback we have received both in Easington and other areas that we provide a valuable service that would be greatly missed should funding dry up."

Anyone who lives in the areas covered by the Learning Library and feels they could benefit from its services can ring (01388) 420267.