CHILDREN have been singing not for their own, but for other people's suppers.

The choir at Abingdon Primary School, Middlesbrough, gave voice yesterday to launch a community grants system which will hand over cash to groups and organisations for projects to benefit local people. The scheme, devised by Middlesbrough Council and the Streets Ahead Single Regeneration Budget Partnership, is expected to distribute almost £220,000 during its first two years of operation.

"We all know that the voluntary sector, given the resources, can produce some extremely good work," said Tony Duggan, development manager for Neighhourhood Renewal.

"Similarly there is an active and exciting cultural and arts sector. We want to support the work of both in developing and working on new initiatives and building new audiences.