VOLUNTARY groups have been awarded a share of funding to help keep their communities safe.

Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner Ron Hogg has announced just under £150,000 of grants from his Community Safety Fund, for projects aiming to reduce crime and improve community safety.

The money has been awarded to 21 different community groups and voluntary organisations throughout County Durham and Darlington.

One of the organisations to benefit from the fund is Durham Pride UK, awarded £5,200, towards preventing hate crime.

Mel Metcalf, Chair of Durham Pride UK, said: “Thanks to this grant from the Community Safety Fund, Durham Pride UK can begin our very own Rainbow Alliance and Rainbow Community Cafe, encouraging diversity and inclusiveness and improving the visibility of the growing numbers of LGBTQ people living in County Durham.”

Other grants include £10,000 to fund a mobile cinema in the Chester-le-Street area which will provide activities for young people and £9,000 for Darlington Association On Disability to develop a Be Safe, Be Confident network.

Mr Hogg said: “We had an overwhelming response with around £500,000 worth of bids.

“The successful applicants can make a real difference to individuals in their local communities - something which I believe is important to invest in.”

Barbara Gubbins, Chief Executive of County Durham Community Foundation said: “The awards made will help community projects right across County Durham and Darlington, so residents from different areas will benefit from this fund.”