Charities boosted with £11m Northern bank cash
The charitable arm of the Northern Rock bank has donated grants of £11m to charities across Cumbria and the north east of England.
According to its annual report for 2009, the Northern Rock Foundation cash was used to help advise people in debt and the elderly.
The grants, given to 185 causes in total, also helped those with mental health problems and ethnic minorities.
The charity is hoping to have donated £12m to good causes by the end of 2010.
Penny Wilkinson, chief executive of the foundation, said: "The foundation is a small organisation that has made a big impact since it was set up by Northern Rock.
"It has become part of the culture and identity of the region. We are committed to continuing our work and developing our role."