A GRANTS scheme is aiming to improve resources and facilities in upper Teesdale by helping to fund projects run by community groups.

The Middleton Plus scheme, which is funded by the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund, Bishop Auckland College, County Durham Training and Enterprise Council and a number of parish councils, will be handing out its third batch of grants to groups in the area.

The scheme awards grants of up to £150, or half of a project's costs, whichever is the minimum, to groups that are working for the benefit of the upper Teesdale community.

Ian Tallentire, chairman of Middleton Plus, said: "We are very pleased to be able to help local groups with the valuable work they do in improving facilities and resources for people in upper Teesdale.

"Although these community grants are relatively small, we know from our own experience that sometimes quite a small sum of money can make a real difference in the work of a group of volunteers."

Groups interested in applying for a grant can contact Judith Mashiter, at Middleton Plus, on (01833) 641000. The closing date for applications is July 31.