SOME of the more deprived areas of Teesside are to benefit from a large cash windfall.

A total of £9.2m of Government Neighbourhood Renewal Funding (NRF) will be go to areas across Hartlepool, including the Headland, West View, Central Estate, Dyke House, Burbank, Owton Manor, Rossmere and parts of the town centre.

The Hartlepool Partnership, which is made up of agencies and organisations from the area and is chaired by MP Iain Wright, recently established its three main priorities for spending.

These include getting more people into jobs, making communities safer and improving residents' health.

The money will be spent over two years, starting next April.

Mr Wright said the funding should make a difference to people's lives.

"This is a significant level of funding and I welcome it," he said.

"I think it also demonstrates that the Government recognises the need for ongoing investment to address issues affecting many in our town.

"Hartlepool has a good track record of spending Government grant money wisely and I am sure the many initiatives included in the two-year programme will help to improve the quality of life for many Hartlepool residents."