DOZENS of jobs are being created thanks to financial support from a local council.

Almost 90 jobs will be created during the next three years as a variety of businesses either relocate or expand in Darlington, after grants of £30,036 were awarded from the Falchion Fund.

One of those involved is Bodycare International, a tanning and beauty centre, in Blackett Road, which aims to create 42 jobs.

Whessoe Europe is also hoping to create 23 jobs when it relocates from Newton Aycliffe to the town.

David Lyonette, the council's cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: "This money will help new businesses relocate to Darlington and it will allow existing small and medium-sized businesses the opportunity to expand and grow and that means more new jobs for the town."

Eight companies have been awarded grants after showing that the money would help them create employment for the town.

The other companies to have received grants are: Signs Express, on the Yarm Road Business Park; Tensor Marketing, in Lingfield Way; Chris Guy Fixings, at Morton Park; Forge House Models, on the Cleveland Trading Estate; Recognition Marketing, in McMullen Road and Adrenalin Moto in Whessoe Road.

The Falchion Fund is run by Darlington Borough Council, Darlington Business Venture and HSBC.

It recently awarded £18,000 to another two companies, Shadow Tech UK, and QA International Certification.

Shadow Tech, based in Whessoe Road, will use its £8,000 loan to expand and hopes to employ more people over the coming three years.

QA International Certification, in Cleveland Street, Darlington, will create several jobs by the end of next year thanks to its loan of £10,000.