A HISTORY project in a rural community has been awarded cash from a millennium grants scheme.

Lynesack and Softley Parish Council, in Teesdale, has been awarded £800 under the Millennium Festival Awards for All Programme.

The funding means that the parish council can carry out an oral history project in its community for future generations to enjoy.

A team of volunteers will interview residents of all ages about their memories of the area, to get a broad picture of life in their community.

The aim is to produce a sound recording of highlights from a whole series of taped interviews representing the range of people who live and work in the villages and farms in Butterknowle, South Side and Lynesack.

One hundred copies of the recording will be made and distributed.

The millennium grant will be used to train volunteers and buy recording equipment for the project.

The project was the idea of resident Sue Constable. She said: "The great thing about the project is that it can involve anyone in the area who wants to join in.

"We're looking for volunteers to be interviewed - whatever their age or the length of time they have lived in the area.

"We also have space for a few more people on the interview team."

Anyone interested in finding out more about the project should contact either Anne Allen, on (01388) 718196, or Paul Simpson, on (01388) 710594.