A LENDING service providing vital toys and equipment for children and adults with special needs is expanding into Darlington.

The Spennymoor Learning library already operates in the Wear Valley and Teesdale Districts as well as the Sedgefield Borough where it has 370 clients of all ages.

Now, worker Shiela Harris will spend one day a week delivering in Darlington under a new arrangement backed by the borough council.

The library's six part-time staff learned recently that the National Lottery is paying their salaries until 2005.

And their equipment fund was given a £447 boost at the weekend by members of the leek club at the Red Alligator pub, in South Church, Bishop Auckland.

Coordinator Jackie Heslop said: "We are always looking for money for running costs and equipment so this was very welcome."