YOUNG people across Hartlepool are to benefit from a huge cash windfall after councillors approved a package of grants.

Fourteen voluntary organisations working with youngsters are to receive support totalling almost £17,000 from Hartlepool Borough Council's Youth Service after their applications were agreed by the community safety and services board on Friday.

Councillor Stephen Close, chairman of the board, said: "Clearly, a lot of young people are benefitting directly from the work of these groups and it is important that this work continues."

The voluntary groups to benefit are: The Hartlepool Carers Positive Future Project - £1,000; The Oxford Road Baptist Church's Oxygen Project - £2,500;j Oxford Road East Resident's Association - £1,040; B76 Outreach Project - £3,810; Hartlepool Headland Amateur Boxing Club - £1,500; Owton Fens Community Association - £1,500; North Hartlepool Youth Action - £1,200; ADDvance - £500; All Saints Church Stranton Youth Project - £1,000; Hartlepool Physically Handicapped and Able-bodied Club - £650; 40th Hartlepool Scout Group - £600; 18th Hartlepool St Paul's Scout Group - £550; Hart Village Youth Club - £480; Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group - £500.