A MILLENNIUM project reached a new high with the help of Health Secretary and Darlington MP Alan Milburn.

Mr Milburn presented £221 to the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB), on behalf of the Millennium Volunteers, who are based at the Darlington YMCA.

The fundraisers, wearing jumpers bearing the amount they raised, were joined by Mr Milburn to present Linda Stephenson, of the RNIB, with the donation.

The volunteers raised the money by taking part in a sponsored abseil from the roof of Darlington Memorial Hospital in October.

Diane West, Millennium Volunteers coordinator, said: "It was great to have Mr Milburn here to support the efforts of these young fundraisers, and we were delighted to be able to help an organisation such as the RNIB."

The volunteer group encourages young people in Darlington and Newton Aycliffe to get involved in community projects.

The group has 85 volunteers, aged between 16 and 24, working on projects including anti-bullying, football coaching and journalism.

Their achievements are recognised by a certificate after 100 hours of volunteer work, and an award of excellence, signed by the Health Secretary, when they complete 200 hours of volunteer work.

To find out more about Millennium Volunteers, contact Darlington YMCA, on (01325) 382672