ONE of the region's oldest charitable bodies has handed out cash to dozens of groups in the North-East.

Durham-based Sherburn Hospital, which dates back to the 12th Century, has handed over a total of £261,401 in grants during the past year.

The charity, which also provides residential care and sheltered accommodation to the elderly, has just presented cheques totalling more than £100,000 to 37 groups around the region in its latest round of grants.

Among the grants were £5,000 each to the Derwentside branch of the Alzheimer's Society, the Darlington-based Blind Business Association Charitable Trust, Butterwick Hospice in Stockton, Cowshill and Lanehead Village Hall, in Upper Weardale, Durham Dales Action for Carers, in Barnard Castle, and The Lazarus Centre, in Sunderland