TWO Darlington businesses have been awarded £10,000 from a council-run initiative to help them get off the ground.

The Falchion Fund is a borough council loan scheme dedicated to new and existing businesses that employ up to 250 people.

It supports the creation of jobs in the borough by putting cash into new business, and the development and expansion of existing business.

The latest to benefit are Camilleri & Leach Ltd and a franchise of the National Schoolwear Centre.

Camilleri & Leach is an electrical installation company that provides domestic and commercial services, covering the North-East and North Yorkshire.

The firm has been trading for less than two months and has made progress in securing contracts with national property developers.

The company is looking to move to offices in Darlington and aims to increase its workforce next year.

Craig Vickers' franchise of the National Schoolwear Centre, in Gladstone Street, is aiming to be Darlington's one-stop schoolwear shop.

The Falchion Fund offers loans to businesses of up to a maximum of £10,000 over a period of no more than five years and at a preferential interest rate of one per cent above the HSBC base rate for new and existing businesses.

It is a partnership between Darlington Borough Council and HSBC Bank, with support from Darlington Business Venture and accountancy firm Clive Owen and Co.

David Lyonette, Darlington council's cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: "The Falchion Fund is a great example of how the council and HSBC can work together with private sector investment to support business start-up and development within Darlington."