TWO groups from Chester-le-Street have secured more than £150,000 of Lottery cash to help them continue their work in the community.

North Durham MP Kevan Jones has welcomed news they are to receive substantial grant awards from the Big Lottery Fund.

Chester-le-Street and District Voluntary Welfare Committee, of which Mr Jones is patron, and Chester-le-Street Sea Cadets, have both been successful in their bids for funds.

The Sea Cadets have secured a grant of £100,600 to help pay for the extension and refurbishment of the Donald Owen Clarke Centre, at Chester-le-Street Riverside, where they are based.

Chester-le-Street and District Voluntary Welfare Committee is to receive £53,576 over three years, to cover costs of its welfare bus scheme.

Mr Jones said: "I was delighted to hear the news that these bids have been successful. Both groups contribute a great deal to the community and I know that the Big Lottery Fund have made the right decision."