The Reece Family have committed £250,000 to The North East Roots Fund at the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland.

The group hopes their sizeable pledge will act as a catalyst for further donations, pushing the fund beyond halfway of the £1million target set in July.

Raised money will bolster a permanent fund created to support local charities and community organisations, in line with the Foundation's objective to eradicate inequalities and sustain the region.

Out of the £250,000 pledged by the Reece Family, £100,000 is an immediate donation, the remaining £150,000 will be used to match donations received on a £1 for £1 basis.

The fund's purpose resonates with members of the Reece Family, many of whom are no longer based in the North East, but remain 'proud Geordies'.

Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Community Foundation, John Hollingsworth, said: “Their support will have a huge impact on the North East Roots Fund and the communities it will support. Their pledge boosts the grant-making pot but also sets a challenge to others to match their generosity pound for pound.“

The North East Roots Fund has already made four grants including to Phoenix Detached Youth Project in North Shields, Skills4Work in Gateshead, Pallion Action Group in Sunderland, and the Tyne Rivers Trust in Corbridge.