A HUGE silver coin provided a golden moment for a charity group which is celebrating a £26,000 boost.

Derwentside Mind, which supports people in and around North-West Durham with mental health or emotional problems, received the cash from the Lloyds TSB Foundation.

The silver coin was presented to the group at its headquarters in Consett to represent the cash award which will help cover staff and volunteer costs for three years.

Brenda Greener, Derwentside Mind manager, said about 50 people regularly visit the organisation's offices in Nelson Street, and others take advantage of a range of services including days trips, aromatherapy and reflexology classes and support groups.

She said: "It is terribly important to dispel myths surrounding mental health problems.

"This donation will help us to do that by raising awareness of Mind's work in the local area.