A TEESDALE charity that feared it was going to have to make cutbacks has been handed a lifeline.

Durham Dales Action for Carers (DDAC) has been awarded a grant of £105,662 over three years from the Northern Rock Foundation.

In January, the charity found out it had lost its £30,000 funding from the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust, which put the posts of its two health link workers in jeopardy.

The expiry of short-term funding meant that two of its carer-support workers were also at risk.

Geoff Kelly, DDAC manager, said: "We were looking at losing four workers, that was the reality. It was a complex bidding process, so we are absolutely delighted that the Northern Rock Foundation feels that what we are doing for the 700 Teesdale people on our books is worth investing in."

The carer -support workers provide a range of services from one-to-one, through to advice on filling in benefit forms and running support groups with social and recreational activities for carers.

Mr Kelly added: "We are not out of the woods, we will be in the same position with our health link workers come June, but for now this is a really positive, joyous occasion."

Other funding, totalling £60,000 a year to DDAC from Durham County Council is to continue. For details about DDAC, call (01833) 630202.