A grandmother is preparing for a shopping trip with a difference - £6.5m to spend in her home town of Redcar.

The money comes from the Government's single regeneration budget and Della Marshall has been elected chairwoman of the West Redcar SRB Priority Group.

Mrs Marshall, 57, of Harwal Road, said: "I wanted to be in the priority group because I've seen what can be achieved by local people coming together. Being chairwoman was a bolt from the blue - but I feel very proud to have been appointed and very conscious of my responsibilities."

Mrs Marshall is a founder member of a residents' group in the Harwal area and now chairs its action group. She helped to attract funds to carry out environmental improvements.

Redcar and Cleveland SRB manager Martin Jefferson said: "One of the main aims of SRB investment is to involve the community in spending plans.

"We have already recruited 27 people to the priority group, which includes representatives from public organisations and local businesses, and we are delighted that Della has been chosen as its first chairwoman."

Three major SRB projects are Redcar Rennaissance, a marketing and development initiative; the West Redcar Employability Project geared to improving employment prospects; and the Community Investment Fund, with almost £2m available for projects prioritised by the community.