residents have given a helping hand to youngsters with reading difficulties.

Rossmere and Seaton Grange Residents' Association, in Hartlepool, has raised more than £1,000 for the pupils at the town's Golden Flatts Primary School. The money will be used to buy computer programmes for dyslexic pupils.

The residents' association agreed to raise the money last year after the school's Community Action Team asked for help.

Residents and the school's dyslexia group raised £1,118.

The association's treasurer, Lynda Wanley, said: "We are delighted to be able to help out in this way and we hope the computer programmes will give the youngsters a lot of pleasure."

Gillian Anderson, headteacher, said: "We pride ourselves on our partnership with the local community and it's wonderful to see local residents supporting the children in such a way."