A TOTAL of £7.7m is to be given to Teesside communities to reduce deprivation and improve quality of life.

The first phase of the multi-million pound scheme has been endorsed by Stockton Renaissance, a strategic partnership made up of councillors and community groups.

The money will go to a number of local action plans for some of Stockton's most deprived areas.

The cash has come from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, which is funded by the Government.

A number of local action plans have been drawn up after consultations with local people, including questionnaires and talks with residents during fun days.

Those consultations identified key priorities for people under the themes of crime reduction, health and drugs, jobs, environment, housing and transport.

Schemes which will be funded in neighbourhoods during the next two years include an extended community warden scheme, greater community-based health information and advice services, recycling sites and environmental improvements.

Councillor Bob Gibson, leader of Stockton Borough Council and chairman of Stockton Renaissance, said: "We've supported a variety of interventions focusing on areas of disadvantage to narrow the gap between these neighbourhoods and the rest of the borough."

The action plans will begin this month.