THOUSANDS of people will benefit from plans to breathe new life into former pit villages, a council chief says.

Durham City Council has been given £950,000 from the Single Regeneration Budget to revamp Bearpark, Bowburn, Brandon, Cassop, Esh Winning, Kelloe, Ludworth, New Brancepeth, Quarrington Hill, Sherburn Hill, Ushaw Moor and West Rainton.

The money will go on things such as giving support to local businesses, advice on training, work and benefits, improving the appearance of the villages, improving community buildings, installing public art, and providing equipment for recreation, education and training.

The Director of Environmental Services John Jennings said: "Durham City Council has spearheaded a number of community-based schemes which have brought about tremendous improvements.

"The effect of the Single Regeneration Budget has had a real impact on Sherburn Road Estate, providing jobs, training and new housing.

"In the same way, we began the process of bringing new life to the Lower Deerness Valley last year and I am sure this will also result in significantly increased investment in Ushaw Moor, Bearpark and New Brancepeth.

"The latest announcement enables the city council to build on these strong foundations to establish partnerships and bring benefits to thousands of Durham people.'