SMALL community groups in part of Darlington are to benefit from a Government initiative.

The Community Resource Fund was launched by the Home Office in 1999 to promote and support activity in local communities.

The fund is designed to reach groups which do not normally access the many grants systems available, and concentrates on areas of social exclusion.

The County Durham Foundation is the appointed agent for distributing grants from this fund.

Grants of between £50 and £500 are available for new or existing community groups, which have an annual turnover of less than £10,000.

The fund will support a wide range of activities that meet a real need for people in the Haughton East area of Darlington.

These will include training provision for a management committee on running meetings, fundraising and accounting and equipment purchases.

Examples of equipment provided could be toys for mother and toddler groups or equipment or activities for a youth club.

It will also provide start costs for a new group, providing a service to meet a need, for example a credit union or luncheon club or the promotion of healthy catering and living.

Councillor Chris McEwan said: "As a local councillor I welcome this funding. I'm sure it will go a long way to supporting community development in Haughton East. The fund will support a wide range of projects, and I encourage groups to apply to County Durham Foundation for a grant as soon as possible."

For further details about the scheme, and an application form, contact Joanne Thompson at County Durham Foundation on 0191-383 0055.

The closing date for applications is Friday, February 9.