MORE than 100 charities and community groups attended a first-of-its-kind funding surgery.

The County Durham Community Foundation event, held in Meadowfield, near Durham, offered funding advice to those applying for grants and support and, following its success, further such events will be staged.

Margaret Vaughan, the Foundation’s chief operating officer, said: “Demand for funding in the county is obviously high and groups need more support with the application process and understanding what the criteria is.”

Carl Wilkinson, who attended on behalf of New Brancepeth Football Club, said: “It was very helpful to speak to staff and find out what funding is available for our club.

“We have been in existence for over 40 years and we had never heard of the Community Foundation until today.

“After listening to their advice we will now be putting in an application and look forward to hopefully receiving the funding we need to keep moving forward.”

For more information, call Jackie Graham on 0191-378-6340, email: jackie@cdcf.org.uk or visit cdcf.org.uk