COMMUNITY projects all over the region are to benefit from a series of new Lottery grants.

Eight grants have been awarded under the Community Fund to schemes which help disadvantaged people around the North-East.

Among those to benefit from the money are The Cleveland Domestic Violence Forum, based in Middlesbrough, which received £239,750. The money will be used to develop the outreach service which works with survivors of domestic violence.

Alane Aitken of the forum said: "We're delighted with this award.

"The Community Fund's continuing commitment to the project demonstrates the importance of taking domestic violence seriously."

Grove Hill 2000, of Middlesbrough, also received £187,483 for its resource centre which is used by local people who want to learn basic IT skills.

North Ormesby 2001 Limited has also received £121,501 to help it develop its IT training work.

A drop-in centre run by the Ayresome Community Enterprise in Middlesbrough received £149,680.

The centre is used by unemployed people and the money will be used to buy new equipment and furniture for the building.

The Sunderland Federation of Community Association, which looks after all community groups in the city, received £84,860 while the South Tyneside Federation of Community Association got £8,072.

The Sunderland Voluntary and Community Sector Partnership got £198,368 to support various new projects in the city.

Elswick Girls and Women's Project near Newcastle was given £167, 188 to help run its women's group and older girls club to encourage them to play a bigger role in the community.

Finally, Derwentside Women's Aid Ltd has been given £142, 535 for its work with women in danger.

Community Fund Regional Awards Committee chairman John Clarke said: "Our grants are assessed and awarded by local people, for local people and we hope that hey will make a difference to some of the most vulnerable people in the North-East."