POLICE and the fire service have shared money raised at their fireworks show between eight County Durham causes.

The bonfire and fireworks night at police headquarters in Durham last year, was organised by Durham Constabulary and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service. Once costs had been met, £5,000 remained.

Groups that received awards of £500 were:

* Bishop Auckland General Hospital's children's ward;

* The University Hospital of North Durham's children's unit;

* Bishop Auckland Cycling Club;

* Lingey Farm Residents' Association, Sacriston;

* Newton Aycliffe's Social Resource Centre, to support vulnerable, young people with learning difficulties or mental health problems;

* Air cadets from Durham and Northumberland;

* The North-East branch of the NCH charity;

* The Real Lives: Real Choices charity, Lanchester, which promotes the rights of adults with learning disabilities.

Four grants of £250 were made to Marie Curie Cancer Care, Durham Trinity School, Spennymoor Youth Theatre and Willowburn Hospice, in Lanchester.