CHARITIES in the North-East are celebrating after they received grants totalling £300,000 for community projects.

The Lloyds-TSB Foundation has donated money to 45 organisations in the region.

The money is used to support some of the most disadvantaged people, and helps provide services such as family support centres, accommodation for homeless people and charity helplines.

The Waddington Street Centre, in Durham, received £11,000 to help it support people with severe mental illnesses.

The funding will go towards staff training.

Centre co-ordinator George Todd said: "Fundraising is difficult at the best of times and it is reassuring to know that an organisation like the Lloyds-TSB Foundation is committed to supporting our essential work.

"Thanks to this money we can continue to help local people to make positive changes to their everyday lives."

The Grange Road Action for Youth group, Darlington, has been given £5,000.

Chester-le-Street Youth Centre was awarded £5,000 for a replacement shuttle bus.

Easington District Communicare received £5,000 towards the salary of a project co-ordinator.

In Hartlepool, the Headland Development Company received £7,500 to pay for a community development worker.