AN award-winning youth project heralded by community leaders as "the way forward" is in danger of coming to an end unless new funding can be found.

Red Hall Play Work project, in Darlington, is in its fourth successful year of providing out-of-school activities for children in one of the town's most deprived wards.

But with a cash grant from The Children's Fund coming to an end this year, the community is searching for new supporters.

Martin Landers, treasurer of the Red Hall Community Partnership, said: "The benefits of this scheme are immeasurable. A great charity or organisation has to get recognised as something that society needs, not just wants."

The Red Hall Community Partnership will apply for about £100,000 in lottery grants to keep the project going for another two years.

The money would enable the partnership to retain the full-time services of youth worker Sarah Small, who recently won the Contribution to the Community award at The Northern Echo's Best of Darlington Awards.

PC Jonathan Stoker, the estate's beat officer, said: "The young people on the estate have gained so much from Sarah for themselves and for their families.

"The media portrays youths as always causing problems, drinking and fighting.

"I wish they would come to Red Hall and they could see what it would be like if a community cares enough about its own kids."

Last year, youngsters from the Play Work project were the first group of young people to receive the Contribution to Community award at the Best of Darlington Awards.

The youngsters have raised £7,000 to support the project with a series of events, including dance shows, football matches and market stalls.

Miss Small said: "We try to keep the young people actively involved in the running of the project and the estate because it gives them a sense of ownership.

"Their achievements are fantastic, and it has given them a chance to show that the youth of today can have a positive impact on their community and town. They really are a true inspiration."

Red Hall estate resident Chelsea Butcher, 14, who uses the centre, said: "If it wasn't for Sarah, we'd be kicking around the streets and getting into trouble."