NEARLY 50 community groups are waiting to find out if their applications for a grant have been successful.

A panel of judges is poring over the applications made to take the final money from Darlington Borough Council's Community Resource Fund.

The fund has given out £80,000 to more than 100 groups over the past four years. Only £6,000 remains and the council has been seeking two applicants to scoop a £3,000 windfall each.

The deadline was last week - a month after the search was launched - with 46 community groups having staked their claim for a share of the money. A panel is meeting this week to weigh up the bids and is expected to announce its decision this month.

Councillor Don Bristow, cabinet member for resources, said: "I am delighted to see that so many local groups have taken an interest in this initiative."