DISABLED pupils in the region will benefit from a £3.8m investment to improve facilities and access in schools.

Schools Minister Catherine Ashton said the cash would be used for a series of upgrades, including ramps, lifts and easy-to-open doors for children with mobility problems; enhanced paint schemes and adjustable lighting for partially-sighted children; and acoustic loops and tiling of classrooms for deaf children.

North Yorkshire gets £809,000, Durham £573,000, Darlington £140,900, Redcar and Cleveland £242,000, Hartlepool £109,000, Middlesbrough £182,400 and Stockton £223,500