MORE than half a million pounds is being given to voluntary and community groups in the North-East - with young people's groups taking most of the money.

In the latest round of Awards for All grants, 123 Lottery handouts worth a total of £510,589 have been given to the region.

Groups and projects aimed at young people took a £222,144 share of the money, which supports education, sport, arts, heritage, environment and health schemes.

In County Durham, community associations in Tow Law, Willington and Woodhouse Close, all in Wear Valley, each received £5,000 for building works.

In Darlington, the Red Hall Partnership received £4,700 to hold activities for youngsters on the estate, and the town's hospital radio was given £4,013.

A new youth jazz band, the Ferryhill Falcons, will buy instruments and uniforms with its £4,944 grant, and £4,150 was donated to the Spennymoor Heritage Banner Appeal to enable miners' families to parade in the annual Durham Gala.

In the Hartlepool area, grants worth £5,000 went to Dyke House School, for a Saturday club, Hartlepool Catholic Boxing and Community Police Club, to upgrade equipment, and to support the Making A Difference group to improve disabled access.

On Teesside, the Community News Partnership was given £5,000 to produce community newspapers for the Redcar and Cleveland area.

To apply for an Awards for All grant, call (0845) 600 2040.