A CHARITY celebrated its tenth anniversary with a two-day party over the weekend.

The County Durham Foundation has handed out almost £10m to good causes over the past decade.

It staged the fun weekend to mark the occasion and was sponsored by developer HJ Banks.

The fun took place at County Hall, in Durham, with guest speakers and entertainment for all the family.

As well as displays, there were performances by ten marching bands and 20 music, dance and theatre groups.

North West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong said: "I'm pleased to join in the celebration of a big milestone for the County Durham Foundation. Ten million pounds in ten years is a fantastic achievement.

"Over the past decade the foundation has set out to make a real difference to people and communities across County Durham.

"With the backing of generous supporters, they have been able to help local people tackle local priorities. I hope the next ten years brings even more success."

The foundation, whose vice-presidents include the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, and environmentalist Dr David Bellamy, was launched in 1995 to distribute grants and build an invested endowment fund, which now has 60 donors including companies, individuals, families, trusts and organisations.

It is now one of the most successful community foundations in the country and despite being in one of the most deprived counties in the country has managed to raise more for its endowment fund than London, Sheffield and Manchester.

Over the weekend, speeches were made by high-profile guests including the Right Reverend Dr Tom Wright the Bishop of Durham, Dr David Bellamy, foundation president and Lord Lieutenant of County Durham Sir Paul Nicholson and foundation chairman Bernard Robinson, a former North-East businessman of the year.