A total of £17,500 has been distributed to worthy projects by County Durham Housing Group since the launch of its ‘group grant’ scheme just over six months ago.

Funding has been awarded to projects ranging from sports activities for young people, to a clothing bank and has even helped repair a sleigh for Santa Claus.

Support from the group, one of the region’s largest providers of affordable housing, has already enabled Air Cadets to pick up new skills, kitted out sports teams for winter weather, and brought educational drama to Bishop Auckland. But the programme is still on the lookout for more worthy causes during 2018.

County Durham Housing Group Funding Officer, Damian Pearson, said: “Our ‘group grant’ programme was created specifically to help smaller projects in County Durham that can have a big impact on wider communities. We’ve made the whole process as simple and speedy as possible so that almost any group with a constitution can apply.

“Helping such a wide range of projects, and so many people, has been great. What community groups in County Durham achieve should never be underestimated. The programme is far from over though; we’ll be awarding right throughout 2018. If your group hasn’t put in application yet, we’d love to hear from you.”

Groups can apply for funding of up to £500 each. In order to ensure a balanced range of projects, any community organisation, non-profit making group, charity or school working in the areas served by County Durham Housing Group is eligible to apply once every 12 months.