COMMUNITY groups from across the North-East are celebrating after receiving cash injections from a housing association.

The eight groups were given up to £750 after being selected by tenants in the Usay! Grant Fund.

People from Endeavour and Teesdale Housing Associations, based in Barnard Castle and Stockton respectively, attended a conference at Redworth Hall Hotel, and were asked to vote for their favourite organisations out of 16 shortlisted hopefuls.

The groups included Enderwick Martial Arts, from Norton, Stainsby School of Gymnastics, Teddy Edward Toddler Group, in Cockfield, and Targeted Youth Work, from Norton.

Hartlepool Bits and Bobs, Just Dance, from Norton, Skinningrove Bonfire Committee, from east Cleveland, and Hartlepool's Belle Vue Sports were also chosen.

Chris Enderwick, from Enderwick Martial Arts, said: “I’m over the moon to have secured this £750 funding, as it will help our expansion into other areas and allow me to work in even more communities.”

Any groups wishing to apply for funding should contact Tracy Jones on 01642-796233 or Steven Dawson on 01833-694407.