Grants of £3,750 awarded to businesses in Darlington will help to create jobs.

The grants were paid from a council fund designed to encourage development and promotion for small and medium-sized companies.

JB Leisure has been awarded £1,500 for building development works after moving its paintball games and equipment supplies business from Whessoe Road to units on the Nestfield Industrial Estate.

The expansion is expected to create at least three jobs.

Commercial and private vehicle hire company Charter Self Drive is also planning a move this spring from its Meynell Road site into premises on the Forge Industrial Estate.

It has been given a package of support from Darlington Borough Council, including a £1,000 sites and buildings grant based on the creation of two jobs.

Charter's fleet has seen continual growth because of increased commercial demand, which has resulted in the move to larger premises, with more space for vehicle storage and servicing.

The company will still trade from its site in Meynell Road until the move has been completed.

Darlington and District Business Club was awarded a £1,250 marketing grant to help with the development of a website.

Councillor David Lyonette, the borough council's cabinet member for regeneration, said: "The council's financial incentives scheme has made a real difference in helping many local, small and medium-sized businesses develop and grow.