A LOTTERY officer has been appointed in Darlington to make sure groups in the town get as many grants as possible.

Jill Thistlethwaite is the first Economic Regeneration Officer for Lottery and Community Funding at Darlington Borough Council.

The new post has already attracted £1m to the town in addition to the normal Lottery grants for the area.

Ms Thistlewaite will be responsible for all Lottery funding issues across the town and will work with local groups and voluntary organisations to give advice and guidance on how to successfully bid for Lottery funding.

The new position has been funded by the Lottery's Fair Share scheme, which aims to channel more Lottery funding into areas which, for various reasons, have not received much funding in the past.

Local groups and voluntary organisations who feel they will benefit from advice and guidance or who would like to know more about bidding for Lottery cash, can contact Ms Thistlewaite on (01325) 388642.