Seventeen projects have been given grants of between £100 and £2,000 to help their work, as part of The Co-operative Pharmacy's Community Health Fund.

They were among projects, charities and organisations that applied to the fund, using application forms available from Co-operative Pharmacy branches across the North East.

Among the successful applicants was North Tyneside Carers Centre, which received £1,700.

The centre provides opportunities for people caring for family members with severe physical or mental health difficulties to contribute in a positive way to the local community, by encouraging participation in health forums and local government strategies.

St Oswald's Hospice, Newcastle received £1,000.

It provides hospice care to adults and children from across the north east.

Services include a children's unit, in-patient unit, day hospice, day treatment, out-patients and complementary therapy.