A charity fund has been set up to help disadvantaged youngsters.

The Children's Fund, managed by the Cleveland Community Foundation, will benefit children on Teesside, with grants of £200 to £2,000 being offered to voluntary support groups.

Hartlepool Carers has become the first to benefit from the fund, to the tune of £2,000. It supports 35 children and young people aged five to 19 who look after a relative or act as a carer.

Applications for grants are being invited by the foundation, but they must fit one or all of four criteria.

They are projects that give children experience and achieve goals, help low income families to cope, or youngsters who feel isolated, and give children an opportunity to express their opinions and advice on matters which concern them.

For an application form call the Children's fund Local Network Call Centre on (0845 1130161 or discuss a project with Michelle Smith on (01642) 314200.