FORMER mining communities in east Durham are to share in a £5.2m handout.

Details of the new funding were revealed by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) at the Glebe Centre, in Murton.

It had earlier been announced that the North-East's coalfield communities were among those to receive £50m nationwide to regenerate former mining areas.

Even before the extra injection of Government funds, over 400 projects have benefited from grants exceeding £14m.

Speaking at the meeting to announce the funding, Easington MP John Cummings said: ''The CRT is carrying out valuable work in assisting with the regeneration of former coalfield areas such as east Durham.

''It is good news for Easington that the CRT is to be given the funding to continue its work for a further three years to assist community groups and organisations.''

Anna White, the regeneration manager for the North-East, said: ''This is good news for the continuation of CRT support in ex-coalfield communities.

"If groups wish to apply for funding they can call us at the North-East Office where we can help them with the eligibility questions and how to apply.''

The North-East trustee of the CRT, Ken Greenfield, said the announcement meant that financial help for community projects would now be available for the next three years.

Janet Bibby, the trust's chief executive, said: "The trust knew that the task we faced was never going to be resolved by a quick fix, and this gives a message of commitment to coalfield communities.''

Recipients of recent grants also attended the meeting and were presented with certificates, and those who have already received grants welcomed the prospect of future funding.

Among those cheering on the allocation of new cash for projects in former east Durham pit villages were Jim Naylor and Alice Naylor, from the Spiral project in Seaham, which has already received money from the trust for an innovative allotment project for young people.

Another recipient of earlier funding was Joyce McKreeth, from the Robin Todd Centre in South Hetton, who used the money to buy equipment for the resident youth club and for the mother and toddlers group.

Easington District Council's head of regeneration, Peter Coa, said: "The investment announcement by the CRT is extremely welcome in the district of Easington.

"It will mean the continuation of investment in local community facilities and buildings as well as support over community-led schemes.

"The trust's priorities will also, hopefully, result in support for future community based and health initiatives in areas such as Easington.''

If representatives of any groups want to check their eligibility for funding, they should contact advisors on 0191-428 5550.