SELF-help groups are among organisations in the region taking a share of £1.5m from the Big Lottery Fund.

Grants have been awarded to projects that address disadvantage and improve the quality of life in the community.

Among those benefiting are disabled groups, community transport schemes and services for young and old.

Five Tees Valley organisations received nearly £460,000, including Home Start, Teesside, which provides family support, Gay Advice Darlington, which issues information and support, Team Parish, of East Darlington, and the Red Hall Community Association.

The Teesside branch of the Alzheimer's Society was granted £150,000 over three years.

Howard Rose, society spokesman, said: "We support 500 carers of people with dementia, carers that are often isolated and lonely and often for whom the only source of information and comfort is ourselves. The funding means we will be able to maintain the current level of support."

In County Durham, £190,000 was granted to three organisations, ME North-East received £100,000, Carers Support Derwentside was awarded £84,000 and the Shildon-based Nifty Fifties was granted £6,000.