COMMUNITY groups in the Haughton east area of Darlington can apply for a grant from a new pot of funding.

The funding is from the Active Community Unit at the Home Office and the County Durham Foundation, a charity that encourages people and organisations to invest in the community.

Any group which works to improve the community or help those living in the Haughton east area can apply for a grant of between £50 and £500.

Groups do not need to have a formal constitution or bank account to apply.

There are two rounds of grants in January and February and the Red Hall Partnership, working in Haughton, and Council for Voluntary Service are willing to help with the applications.

Martin Landers, chairman of the Red Hall Partnership said: "This is a great opportunity for new and less experienced groups to access funding without having to fill in complicated application form."

For more information about applying for the funding, telephone Sue Bell at Red Hall Partnership on 07866 554192 or Gillian Stacey at the County Durham Foundation on 0191-383 0055.