A CHARITY has been awarded a National Lottery grant to refurbish its Darlington base and enhance its service.

The town's Samaritans group has received £166,000 from the North-East Community Fund.

It will use the cash to make its premises in Woodland Road more accessible to elderly and disabled people.

Some of the money will also be used to extend the charity's services, with the introduction of an email service.

Refurbishment of the centre will see a lift installed and improved car parking facilities. Bedrooms and other accommodation will be extensively renovated and a new central heating system fitted.

The group has been supported by Niven and Niven Architects, and Iddison, Dodd and Partners, quantity surveyors.

Norma Bain, director of Darlington Samaritans, said: "The cash will be used to improve the environment at 13 Woodland Road, for our volunteers and callers.

"It also means we will be able to extend the services we already provide, by allowing our callers to contact us via email, thus improving the 24-hour emotional support we provide to people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.