COMMUNITY groups across the Wear Valley are sharing in a £500,000 National Lottery giveaway announced for the North-East this week.

The latest round of Awards for All lottery grants have benefited a total of 135 school projects, sports clubs and other groups throughout the region.

Grants are up to a maximum of £5,000.

Among the groups are Willington Cricket Club, which celebrated its centenary last summer and is now able to launch a programme promoting the sport among junior and women players.

The money will help them set up Under 11 and female sections, run coaching courses and train more coaches to cope with the extra demand.

St Joseph's RC Primary School in Coundon, is setting up an after school programme with the money it receives.

The Centurions Juvenile Jazz Band in Willington, is using its grant to buy new uniforms and instruments to help its young members learn musical skills and develop their confidence.

Village pigeon fanciers are also sharing in the handout. Evenwood Workingmen's Club Homing Society is buying extra equipment with its cash.

And brave youngsters who have undergone lifesaving surgery will be treated to a big day out thanks to a £2,5000 award.

The Freeman Children's Transplant Team, which helps children who have undergone transplant operations to compete in sporting events, is able to splash out and take 25 youngsters to Alton Towers.

Pat Lowes, the award scheme's senior officer for the North-East, said: "We are very happy to have been able to fund such a large number of groups.

"We have our committee meetings every two months and this success rate is expected to continue with a similar amount of £450,000 being spent at each committee meeting."

Another spokesman for the project said: "The number of grants funded and the amount of money spent so far certainly indicates that Awards for All funding is making a big difference to people and their communities within the North East of England."