A SCHEME that supports the use of renewable energy in the region could have its future secured with local funding and a Big Lottery Grant.

Renewable Energy at Local Level (Reall) was launched by the Countryside Agency in 2002 to promote the use of environmentally-friendly fuel in rural areas of County Durham and Northumberland.

Funding ran out in March and Reall received three months' money to wind up ongoing projects or find alternative funding.

But projects manager Mervyn Anthony said yesterday it had secured extra cash through local organisations, including Renew Tees Valley, to continue working for another six months.

Reall also hopes to receive cash through the Northumberland National Park sustainable development fund and the Big Lottery.