Extra cash for disabled children

Jan 14 2008 By Graeme Whitfield

Three North East councils have been given millions of pounds to help ease the pressure on families with disabled children.

Gateshead will get about £1.8m, North Tyneside will get £1.7m and Sunderland will get £2.7m after being named among 21 ``Pathfinder" areas in a Government shake-up of services for children with disabilities.

The cash will be used to give families a break from caring, either by providing care in their homes or getting disabled children involved in outside activities.