A PIONEERING National Lottery funding scheme will help boost the quality of life in two areas of Darlington during the next ten years.

The Fair Share Trust, which is administered by the County Durham Foundation, has pledged £800,000 to the central and Northgate areas of Darlington.

The funding programme aims to improve the quality of life of local communities and to make a long-term difference to neighbourhoods that have not yet received their fair share of lottery funding.

Neighbourhoods in Darlington in need of funding were identified before funding was granted.

Later this summer, a panel of local people will be set up to decide what the funding should be spent on and to work with local groups in need of grants.

Frances Thirlway, head of grants at County Durham Foundation, said: "This will enable local people to invest in their community's long-term future.

"This is an innovative use of lottery funding which we are delighted to administer. It is good news for the people of Darlington."

County Durham Foundation was chosen by Community Foundation network, which manages funds nationally on behalf of the New Opportunities Fund, as the Darlington agency for the Fair Share Trust because of its local knowledge and grant-making expertise.

Local residents or groups wanting to get involved in the Fair Share Trust are asked to contact Ms Thirlway on 0191-383-0055.