A CONSIDERABLE grant has been awarded to a Darlington charity dedicated to supporting homeless individuals.

The 700 Club, based in Beaumont Street West, has received £36,763 towards a Bridge2Home project designed to offer shelter to those under threat of homelessness.

The grant was provided by the Virgin Money Foundation as part of the company’s North-East fund which has provided 11 regional projects in need with up to £50,000 worth of funding.

John Elliston MBE, chief executive of the 700 Club, said: “To have access to safe, secure and appropriate accommodation is life changing.

“The Virgin Money Foundation grant of £36,763 will enable the 700 Club to give that gift to so many.”

The 700 Club have pledged to spend the money on the Bridge2Home bond scheme, which has been running in Darlington under various guises for the last two decades.

The grant will enable to the scheme to continue by providing a bond as an alternative to a deposit for Darlington-based landlords.

Those facing homelessness can apply to join the Bridge2Home scheme with would-be tenants asked to save cash every month towards their own bond which will become theirs at the end of their year-long agreement.

The Virgin Money Foundation provided £450,000 worth of grants across the North-East, with the Roadway House-based 700 Club applying for a share of the cash earlier this year.

For more information or to volunteer with the Club, visit 700club.org.uk/bridge-to-home or call 01325-366397.