Cash for Weardale groups

Voluntary groups throughout Weardale will benefit from the latest round of grants from the Better Homes, Better Lives fund.

The fund gives grants of up to £500 to community groups in Wear Valley.

Among those to benefit this time is Weardale Agricultural Society, which will receive £400 towards the cost of an LPG griddle for Weardale Show.

The grant means that visitors to the show will be able to enjoy freshly-cooked snacks while visiting the stands and inspecting exhibits.

Gardeners in Crook and Rookhope will also be encouraged to make their areas look better thanks to grants to two blooming marvellous competitions.

Both Crook in Bloom and Rookhope in Bloom have been given money towards this year’s events, receiving more than £800 between them.

Peter Chaffer, chief executive of Dale & Valley Homes, which administers the fund, said: “We launched the Better Homes, Better Lives fund last year to help local groups improve things for local people. Our major partners, Gentoo and Dunelm Property Services, supported our aims and added money to the fund.

“This is the second summer we have been able to support events such as these and I am very pleased that we can help.

“Any other community groups who would like to ask for financial help should write to us at 27 Longfield Road, South Church Enterprise Park, Bishop Auckland DL14 6XB or phone us on 0800 0830 333.