A COUNTY Durham transport provider is celebrating after receiving funding.

East Durham Community Transport, based in Peterlee, has been awarded £78,822 from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

The grant will cover running costs and staff salaries throughout next year.

Liam Weatherill, project manager, said: "We are delighted to announce this award which will enable us to continue providing both affordable and accessible transport to local groups in east Durham."

East Durham Community Transport has been operating since 1989 and has a fleet of six minibuses which carry passengers with a wide range of abilities.