COMMUNITY groups celebrated this week after receiving a total of almost £40,000 in grants.

Seven groups based in Sunderland were presented with cheques for £37,237 by Christ's Hospital, of Sherburn, Durham, in a ceremony at the National Glass Centre, Sunderland.

Founded in 1181, Christ's Hospital, also known as Sherburn Hospital and Sherburn House Charity, has awarded grants of £1,983,740 in its four years of renewed grant giving to North-East organisations. It provides residential care and sheltered accommodation for the elderly, and also gives about £180,000 a year to individuals in need, who are referred by agencies such as social services.

The latest beneficiaries were the Ford and Pennywell Advice Centre, which received £7,500; St Omer's Trust, £5,000; St Mary and St Peter's Community Project, £12,192; Sunderland Deaf Society, £500; Streetcare, £1,045; Sunderland North Family Zone, £6,000; and Focusing on Autism in the Home, £5,000.

* Charity representatives Dr Graham Rodmell, front left, and Stephen Hallett, front right, are seen with officials of some of the beneficiaries.