A CHARITY that faced an uncertain future after district council cutbacks has been handed a lifeline by Durham County Council.

The Durham Community Alarms Trust had its funding reduced by almost a fifth when Teesdale District Council announced in February it could no longer afford to make its annual £7,000 donation.

But the gap in funding has been more than filled after Durham County Council announced it would be increasing its contribution from £33,000 to £49,000.

The alarms trust provides push-button alarms to elderly and vulnerable people in Teesdale and parts of Weardale, which they can use to call volunteers if they are in need of help.

Councillor Christine Smith, county councillor cabinet member for strong, healthy and safe communities, said: "The county council felt very strongly that the scheme should continue, and the additional funding we have provided will not only fill the funding gap left by the district council pulling out, but should help solve the financial difficulties which it has experienced over the past two years."

The trust's chairman, the Reverend John Moore, said he had been humbled by the support received from local people after the announcement of the funding cuts.

Two local charities had donated £7,000 and £1,000, and a parish council had contributed £50.

Mr Moore said: "This is something I really didn't expect and I'm very grateful. If we didn't get this we may have gone into our reserves. Our numbers are always rising because of the elderly population and this will help us reach more people.

"We will also be able to replace equipment which needs updating. Without the alarms some of our members may not have been able to remain in their own homes."