COMMUNITY groups are in line for a share of a £470,000 windfall, as part of an authority's latest handouts.

Following an invitation from Middlesbrough Borough Council to submit bids, a final list of beneficiaries has been drawn up.

If councillors agree at a cabinet meeting tomorrow, the groups will receive it in two instalments, in April and September.

The money, which forms part of the council's budget for lifelong learning, is awarded every year.

Some organisations, including Child Link and St Mary's Centre, receive funding on an ongoing basis, while others are first-time recipients.

Among the new grants recommended is £10,500 for the Racial Equality Development Initiative, as a precursor to a new race equality body.

A sum of £30,000 is earmarked for the Voluntary Sector Development Agency and £5,000 for the Immigration Advisory Service.

A further £10,000 is set aside for the Cleveland Youth Association, enabling the volunteering group to set up a Middlesbrough branch.

The council's grants budget, of £450,000, will be supplemented by £19,500 from other sources.