SAVINGS made in the running costs of a housing association have been handed over to community groups.

More than £11,000 saved by Cestria Community Housing in an efficiency drive has been donated to 14 good causes in the Chester-le-Street area, including gardening projects, disabled groups and sporting initiatives.

Tenants were asked where they would like to spend the savings, some of which were generated by ideas as simple as changing the size of the tenants’ newsletter.

Amongst the recipients is Aspire Learning, Support and Wellbeing - a new group which offers support and advice to women, some of who have suffered domestic abuse or mental health issues.

Volunteer treasurer Emily Huitson said: "Aspire was set up following the closure of a local charity called Bridge, which had made a real impact on the lives of local women.

"The donation from Cestria will really help us get the group going and we’re very grateful."

Bournmoor Primary School was awarded £800 to turn a derelict piece of land into a wildlife area.

Deputy head teacher Laura Snowdon said: "We plan to install bat boxes, plant flowers to attract butterflies and are even having some observation boxes made so the children can get up close to the wildlife.

"They’re really excited and it will be a great resource to have – we plan to use it for science lessons and also make it available to other local groups to use".

Cestria accountant Andrew Carlton said: "Our organisation isn’t just about putting roofs over people’s heads; it’s about supporting everyone that lives in the areas in which we work".

Other groups to benefit this time around include the Dunelm and Abbey Phab clubs, Edmondsley Young Gardeners Club, Chester-le-Street Whitehills Football Club, Haven Art Group, Pelton Fell Youth Project, Chester-le-Street Amateur Operatic Society, Durham Constabulary’s activity week and AMS Holidays, which provides holidays for disabled people.