Grants offered as £20m improvement scheme begins
BBCVoluntary and community organisations are invited to apply for grants to help improve a town over the next 10 years.
Washington, near Sunderland, was one of 75 places chosen to receive £20m under the government's Plan for Neighbourhoods programme.
More than 5,000 residents took part in a consultation last year shaping up ideas how to spend the cash over the next decade, with priorities including transport, safety, improving public spaces and supporting young people.
The first wave of projects will be delivered by March 2027, Sunderland City Council said.
Chairwoman of the Washington Pride in Place Programme Board Ruth Walker urged groups interested in applying to attend upcoming workshops to find out more about the scheme.
The first will take place on 3 June at the Washington Millennium Centre, with more planned over the summer.
The Pride in Place Programme funding is split into capital for projects such as improving parks or community facilities, which is the biggest part of the cash.
Some could also go towards youth activities, support for residents to re-skill or move into employment and health programmes.
Two more areas of Sunderland - Hendon, Docks and the East End along with Thorney Close, Plains Farm and Springwell - have also been awarded the funding.
