A SUPPORT and social group for people with mobility difficulties is planning a host of outings thanks to a grant of almost £4,000.

Spennymoor and District Mobility Club, launched last summer, has been awarded £3,980 from The National Lottery Awards for All scheme.

The group, which meets on alternate Fridays at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, will use the money to organise trips that will accommodate all its members' disabilities.

Founder member Sylvia Gamble said: "The group has already made a difference to a lot of people, as they have made new friends and are getting out and about more now.

"We can use the money for trips further afield and for administration costs. We hope to start a newsletter. We need to find a bus company that has a lift for wheelchairs, and this money will help us pay for that."

The group has also won extra support from Spennymoor's new beat officer, PC Dawn Southern, who said: "I am going to speak with members to discuss any problems they have, because many could be considered vulnerable members of the community.

"Sedgefield division wants to reduce the fear of crime. Hopefully we can do that by working closely with groups like this."