COMMUNITY groups in Darlington could be missing out on millions of pounds of grants, according to a leading charity.

The County Durham Foundation gives grants to groups and individuals who work in the community.

It also runs national grant programmes, including the Fair Share initiative, distributing money from the Government to communities in need.

But despite having hundreds of thousands of pounds at its disposal, the charity is receiving hardly any applications for money from people and groups in Darlington, and it is not alone.

More than 100,000 people in County Durham have been helped by the foundation, which has distributed more than £2m in the area - but only six per cent of that money has gone to Darlington.

The foundation is particularly concerned with helping disadvantaged people. Almost half of its grants go to the ten per cent most deprived people in the county, but little of the money is filtering into Darlington.

Director Gillian Stacey said: "We would like to receive more applications for money from Darlington, but I don't think we are unique in not hearing very often from the town.

"Most charitable funds have a lack of applications from the town. We are not sure why Darlington groups do not apply. Maybe they do not have the information they need to get their hands on the money. Also, there are not many small groups in Darlington who have already benefited from grants, so people do not have an example to follow.

"However, we do have this money and we will do everything we can to distribute it."

The foundation wants to hear from people who are considering setting up a community initiative, as well as established groups who need more funding.

Help will be given to anyone applying for money and staff will advise on applications to ensure, wherever possible, that they are successful.

Mrs Stacey said: "There is money here and people should apply for it. We know there is a need in Darlington, as there is in the rest of the county, and we want people in the town to get their fair share of the money."

For information about grants visit www.countydruhamfoundation.co.uk or call 0191-383 0055.