A TRANSPORT project has received a cash boost which will ensure its future for the coming year.

The Lloyds TSB Foundation revealed this week that it is to fund the annual rent for premises used by East Durham Community Transport (EDCT)

The £4,800 award was welcomed by EDCT's project manager Liam Weatherill.

He said: "We are delighted to have received this grant award, as it ensures that we can continue to remain centrally based within Easington District for the benefit of the 125 community groups who have taken out free annual membership with us.''

The EDCT provides transport for the user groups, ranging from daytrips for older people to taking youth groups to community projects.

Mr Weatherill added: "We are always striving to champion improved transport provision across all services in East Durham.

"We feel that awards such as this from the Lloyds TSB Foundation recognise our aim for an improvement of transport services for the benefit of local people.''

The award comes at the end of a successful year for the project and coincides with a vehicle replacement programme which will see EDCT's fleet grow to six mini-buses, three of which have tail-lifts for the transporting of wheelchairs.

EDCT offers minibus hire with drivers to member groups as well as providing free driver training to community groups.

Anyone wanting any further information on the organisation is asked to contact 0191 5182633.