YOUNG people in Darlington could benefit from a charitable fund available to worthy causes.

Darlington Round Table is inviting young people from the area to apply for money for educational, cultural, sporting or other pastoral projects, or specific equipment for health or other needs.

During the past year, the organisation has also raised money for local charities such as St Teresa's Hospice and the Great North Air Ambulance.

Chairman Nick Clarke, who is a director of family business Darlington Bedding Centre, said: "We are always looking for new things to sponsor. We can sponsor young people to give them an experience or for a project, or, for example, children with disabilities who need a specific piece of equipment."

He also said new members were always welcome.

"We are not just a charitable organisation - we are a social organisation too," he added. "We are not a secretive organisation and all our members are quite young - the age limit is 45."

"In the last year we have done activities like rally driving and we have activities planned like go-karting, paintballing and having a go on the skid pan at Durham.

"We have people from all walks of life who are members - it doesn't matter if youre a company director or if youre a painter, everyones equal."

Anyone who is interested in either joining Darlington Round Table or being sponsored by the group can email Mr Clark on nicksclark@yahoo.co.uk.