TWO major community organisations will provide £100,000 to groups based in the Teesside area during 2015.

Tees Valley Community Foundation are teaming up with TFM's Cash for Kids to support local community groups working with children, and have committed to providing the six-figure sum.

Hugh McGouran, Head of Tees Valley Community Foundation said: “Both Tees Valley Community Foundation and TFM Cash for Kids have very similar objectives.

"We both want to genuinely make a difference to local people and strengthen the community.

"By working together, we can reach more people and by committing the substantial amount of £100,000 we can hopefully change people’s lives for the better.”

Stephanie Simpson, Regional Manager at Cash for Kids said: “We all know that times are hard and unfortunately the need for support is greater each year.

"Both Cash for Kids and Tees Valley Community Foundation want to give children in this region the best start in life, so they can fulfil their potential. We have always been about local people, local causes, with all money staying in this region. This partnership is exactly what the region needs and we’re delighted to be a part of it.”

The first £25,000 of support is to be given out in an Easter grant round in April themed around ‘encouraging children to excel themselves’, with further grant rounds in June and October.

Grants will be awarded to groups or organisations who work with children 0 – 18yrs to buy equipment, facilities and supplies. Full details of how to apply are available at www.tfmradio.com.