A NORTH-EAST company has handed over £100,000 to help good causes.

The civil engineering Banks Group has donated the money to the County Durham Foundation charity to benefit organisations in the Nevilles Cross area of Durham City.

The new community fund has been financed by Banks, together with Bett Homes and Barratt Homes.

They are all developing the former Nevilles Cross College into the Sheraton Park residential area.

Cash from the fund is earmarked for the area and County Durham Foundation will find local projects and assess their suitability for a donation.

A committee of local people, working in conjunction with Banks representatives, will then make recommendations on who gets the cash.

They are particularly looking to help groups working with children, senior citizens and disabled people.

Among the fund's many aims is to provide equipment for organisations. Schools, playgroups and sports clubs as well as other community groups may be among those eligible for money.

Mark Dowdall, divisional director at Banks, said: "Sheraton Park is an important development for us and it is important that the area has a vibrant and supportive community life.

"We want as many people as possible to benefit from the fund and are delighted that the County Durham Foundation will be helping us to achieve this.''

Application forms and further information are available from County Durham Foundation on 0191- 383 0055.