A CHARITY is celebrating Christmas early thanks to a £4,070 donation.

Groundwork East Durham is one of 44 charities in the region to receive a share of a £313,532 from the Lloyds TSB Foundation.

The grants are being given out to bring festive cheer to local voluntary organisations working with disadvantaged and disabled people.

Groundwork East Durham runs an alternative training course for pupils, aged between 14 and 15, at Easington Community School.

The group of eight pupils is known as Motive8 and the curriculum they study consists of team-building exercises, outdoor activities and trust games, with the aim of preparing the students for the world of work and improving their personal and social skills.

The grant will contribute to the salaries of two youth workers as well as running costs of the course which lasts 15 weeks.

Susan Phillips, youth worker for Groundwork, said: "Receiving a donation just before Christmas means we can start the New Year confident that we can support local people in our community.

"Many people find this a particularly difficult time, so the Lloyds TSB Foundation's early Christmas present will be a welcome boost for us all.''

Paul Carey, branch manager of Lloyds TSB in Peterlee,said: "The Foundation has supported 190 charities this year and the money has gone right to the heart of local communities, helping to make a positive difference where it is really needed.

"Groundwork needed this Christmas cash to help fund their work in 2004.''