YOUNG footballers have been given a place to hone their skills after a council pitched in.

Youngsters on Darlington's Red Hall estate have secured a £3,000 grant to level off a playing area to enable a football pitch to be marked out.

Red Hall Community Association won the grant after applying to Darlington Borough Council's community resources fund.

It was one of two groups to win the money from 46 entries.

The second group was North Road Community Partnership, which will use the money to create a community garden in North Park.

It was the final cash paid out from £80,000 to dozens of groups across the town in the past four years.

The final tally was also boosted by an unexpected windfall of £7,000 from the Single Regeneration Budget.

Councillor Don Bristow, cabinet member for resources, said: "I am delighted that the excellent work of the various groups that applied will be boosted by these grants."

Unsuccessful applicants will receive advice from the council's external funding team for information on other finance sources.