Euro cash creates 22,000 jobs

More than 22,000 people in north-east England have found work over the past three years, through a European funding programme aimed at boosting skills, new figures reveal.

Latest figures from the European Social Fund, also show the North East has received more aid under the Objective Three job creation programme, than anywhere else in England.

The programme has allocated a total of £195m over the past three years to projects in Northumberland, Tyneside, Wearside, County Durham and Teesside.

The figures also reveal that more than 57,000 people in the region took advantage of training opportunities - many of them women.

Community support

David Slater, business group director of Government Office North East, said: "The latest figures show that the region is taking full advantage of funding available through this European programme and is reaping the benefits.

"This would not have happened without the full support of the community out there, who are eager both to run and participate in these projects."

Some of the successful projects funded through the scheme, include a Gateshead recycling project, which received £160,000 and range of IT courses designed for women at the City of Sunderland College.

Bishop Auckland College received £1.5m to run a range of courses and training for careers in care.

The University of Teesside has recently been awarded almost £4m for a range of training courses including business skills, management training and help for graduate support.