A £2M scheme to tackle road safety blackspots across the region has been given the go-ahead.

Transport Minister Sally Keeble announced the winners of the £30m Home Zones Challenge yesterday - with five North-East projects set to benefit.

Darlington, Middlesbrough, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Gateshead will receive more than £2m.

More than 2,600 households in the region will benefit from the money.

Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the creation of the Home Zones Challenge Fund in April 2001.

Streets designated as Home Zones are to be redesigned with pedestrian safety in mind.

The scheme aims to create a better environment for residents by keeping traffic to low speeds, and by widening pavements and adding plants, trees and shrubs.

Local authorities across the country were invited to apply for funding in July.

Ms Keeble said: "Home Zones transform street life in our towns and cities. I am delighted that we are able to support these schemes.

"They will provide Home Zone developments in every type of community - big city, country town, housing estate and suburbia."

Darlington Borough Council has been allocated £172,000 to develop Pateley Moor Crescent, on the Firthmoor estate.

It will use the money to minimise traffic, improve safety and provide a social amenity area for residents.

The road has 72 homes and 119 adults will benefit from the scheme.

Middlesbrough will receive £750,000 to bring the community of Gresham together and improve the environment for 2,200 households.

The Triangle, in North Shields, North Tyneside, will be developed as an urban village thanks to £335,377 funding.

Tyne Park, a vacant site In Gateshead, will be redeveloped to create 688 homes.

South Tyneside Borough Council has been given £500,000 to implement changes on the Cleadon Park estate to result in a safe, clean, attractive area.

The Government hopes that these examples will encourage local authorities to create many more Home Zones using mainstream funding.

Ministers hope that, thanks to the Home Zones scheme, consultation and involvement with communities across Britain will be greatly improved.