THREE charities are hoping to benefit from council donations to help them help more people in Hartlepool.

The Central Residents' Association is based at the purpose-built Phoenix Centre in the town and has raised more than £901,039 to equip the building and more to cover running costs for three years.

Residents can use the centre for adult education courses, social gatherings or music sessions. The association also gives help other groups in the area including Neighbourhood Watch and the Credit Union.

The council is due to give the group £3,852 to boost a grant from last year to help create a holiday club, after-school club and other new groups.

Epilepsy Outlook, a group formed to meet the needs of people with epilepsy, their families and carers, is also due to benefit.

The organisation, based in York Road, also raises awareness of epilepsy in schools and businesses.

The group wants £8,745 to employ a volunteer coordinator, as two employees had to be made redundant when a National Lottery bid failed.

The money would also be used for general running costs.

Kiddikins, a mobile crche service, is hoping for £755 to extend its service to provide a summer crche for pre-school children and their parents in the Headland area.

The community services and safety board of the council will make a decision on the applications for funding today.