COMMUNITY groups across the North-East are celebrating after winning their share of more than £230,000 in Lottery money.

The Awards for All programme makes grants to voluntary and community groups, including schools, parish or town councils and health organisations.

Chilton in Bloom, in County Durham, has received £3,124 for its community gardening project, set up to enable people improve their environment.

The grant will be used to launch the project and to promote the group within the community.

In Newcastle, the Brunswick Young People's Project received £3,500 for its city centre scheme tackling homelessness, poverty and unemployment.

Pat Lowes, North-East senior awards officer for Awards for All, said: "Groups can apply for money to get their organisation off the ground, to run a special activity, or to ensure more people benefit from their services or facilities."

For details, call Awards for All on 0845 410 2030.