THOUSANDS of pounds have been awarded from a new charity fund to groups that help the elderly and vulnerable.

However, the Winter Relief Appeal is still a long way short of its £250,000 target.

The appeal was launched by The Northern Echo and County Durham Community Foundation last week.

It is asking people who do not need their winter fuel allowance to donate some or part of it to help those less fortunate than themselves.

Latest pledges have come from Lord Foster, Sir John Hall, Peter and Jayne Cook and Sir Anthony and Lady Milbank.

Many Northern Echo readers have also made donations.

However, with more freezing temperatures and winter weather on the way, more pledges are still needed.

Grants are distributed to community and voluntary groups working with the elderly and homeless in County Durham and Darlington. Typical activities funded are the distribution of food parcels, winter clothing and sleeping bags, the provision of hot meals and emergency accommodation.

Applications to the Winter Relief Appeal are being fasttracked and, so far, two grants have been made from the appeal in just a week, where such a process would usually take about two months.

Free the Way received £2,990 towards food and clothing packages, while Single Homeless: Action Initiative received £1,740 to provide emergency accommodation and kits during the winter.

Community and voluntary groups wishing to apply for a grant from the appeal are asked to call 0191-378-6344.

To make a donation call 0191-378-6345, send a cheque payable to County Durham Community Foundation or visit cdcf.org.uk/winter-reliefappeal