MORE than 50 people who won community project awards have begun work.

Coalfields Community Spirit Millennium Awards were given to the group as part of a scheme funded by the Millennium Commission and run by the County Durham Foundation.

The awards averaged £4,000 per person, which will be used to provide the training and development needed for the winners to bring their projects to life.

On Monday, they took part in their first workshop, at Durham's Gala Theatre, signalling the start of initiatives to help them on their way.

For information on applying for a Coalfields Community Spirit Millennium Award, call Melanie Caldwell or Jacqui Alderson on 0191-383 0055.