OVER 800 people in a former mining town have determined how public cash will be spent in their area.

Stanley Area Action Partnership (AAP) asked residents to come forward to decide what they wanted to happen with funding of £100,000.

As part of the ‘It’s Up 2 U’ initiative, community groups put together bids and were encouraged to join in a market place which gave them a chance to advertise their projects and appeal for votes.

Councillor Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council, said: "We were delighted that so many people came forward to have their say.

"We were expecting two or three hundred so to have 800 turn up totally exceeded expectations and we are very grateful to everyone for showing their support.

"This way of budgeting creates opportunities for the people living in Stanley to become more involved in their community and engage with Durham County Council to help us decide how the money is spent for the benefit of the residents."

Each project shortlisted had to fit in to one of the partnership’s priorities which are the regeneration of Stanley town centre and the area’s villages; the environment and transport; crime and community safety and opportunities for young people.

The money was allocated as follows: Beamish and East Stanley Sports Club £3,000, Annfield Plain Cricket Club £16,555, Catchgate Community Primary School £13,858, Shield Row Allotments £12,750, SHAID (housing advice to help young people live independently) £20,000, Tanfield Parish Hall £6,300, Stanley Neighbourhood Policing Team £4,980, South Stanley Infants and Nursery School £4,085, Derwentside District Scout Association £3,000 and St Patrick’s RCVA Primary School £9,838.