ABOUT £500,000 is being spent in small community groups across the region in the latest round of National Lottery grants.

The Joint Regional Committee for Awards for All in the North-East has made grants to 135 school projects, sports clubs and other community groups, totalling £498,394.

Senior awards officer Pat Lowes said: "The demands for Awards for All funding continues to increase.

"We are very happy to have been able to fund such a large number of groups."

Groups to benefit include the Moveable Feast Integrated Theatre Group, in Consett, County Durham.

The group, which provides opportunities for people with learning disabilities to enjoy and be involved in arts and theatre, will get £5,000.

It will be spent on creating a production that will be performed at drama festivals.

Youngsters across the region will be treated to a big day out, thanks to a £2,500 award.

The Freeman Children's Transplant Team, which helps children who have undergone transplant surgery to compete in sporting events, will use the cash to take 25 youngsters to Alton Towers.

The Normandy Veterans' (Tyne and Wear) Association, in South Tyneside, will use its £1,220 grant to hold a reunion dinner for members.

Several ethnic minority groups will also benefit. Grants of £5,000 go to the North East African Refugees' Association, and the Sudanese Society, both in Newcastle.

A further £4,795 goes to Le Camer, allowing it to host a five-aside football tournament to bring together football teams representing the region's African communities.