THE home of Darlington's voluntary organisations is to be extended.

Darlington Council for Voluntary Services (CVS) has secured a £427,000 Government grant to convert its base in Church Row to provide full access for the disabled.

The money will be used to pay for a lift and a new staircase in the building, so visitors will have full access to the first and second floors, currently used by Darlington Borough Council and the public services union Unison.

The borough council will meet next week to discuss leasing the building to the CVS.

John Buxton, the council's director of development and environment, said: "This would enable the Church Row offices to become a base for a number of key Darlington voluntary organisations and provide a focus of all voluntary sector activities within the borough.

"There are implications for staff of the council and Unison, who are located on the first and second floor. However, there is sufficient accommodation in other council buildings for both."

The Government money must be used this year, so work is expected to start once the lease is agreed.