A TEESDALE support group is to get a greater degree of freedom thanks to being awarded a transport grant.

Middleton Mental Health Group will receive a grant from the Teesdale Rural Transport Partnership to help hire a minibus to take members to group meetings.

Supported by Stonham outreach services, the group, which meets weekly in Middleton in Teesdale, provides training and support and has recently been involved in a range of courses including training in finance, meeting management and glass painting. Two members are also undergoing minibus driver awareness training so that they can qualify to drive their own bus.

A Countryside Agency Initiative, the RTP is made up of a wide range of organisations and aims to improve local transport facilities. Durham County Council is the lead partner and Teesdale District Council hosts the RTP officer, Sarah Jack, at Teesdale House.

"This grant is a lifeline for the Middleton group," said Coun Bob Pendlebury, the county council's member for transport. "Funding allows organisations to make provision for transport, which can be of crucial importance in the rural communities of County Durham."

The RTP has large and small project funds that provide up to 75pc of the total overall costs of a project to improve transport facilities in Teesdale. Projects can include car-sharing schemes, walking and cycling initiatives and improving access to local services. Anyone wanting further information should contact Ms Jack on 01833 696263.