BUSINESSES in the North-East, including Greggs and Northern Rock, have donated £70,000 worth of goods and services to Newcastle schools during the past academic year.

Thanks to strengthening links, several companies have given free services and resources to the Newcastle Education Business Partnership (EBP).

The EBP is increasing the chances of youngsters getting jobs by encouraging businesses into schools, so they can influence the curriculum and help young people to identify and develop strengths and skills.

The partnership has provided programmes for more than 20,000 pupils, drawing on the expertise of 40 organisations and helping to shape the workforce of the future.

EBP general manager Gillian Bulman said: "We've run more than 100 different employability skills projects this year alone.

"But success only comes with the time, resource and input of committed local businesses.

"Some have come forward to donate IT equipment and others have hosted work placements and educational visits for school pupils.

"Many businesses have invested their time to act as mentors to teenagers who are about to leave school and enter the working environment.

"You cannot put a price on that kind of investment when they are helping youngsters develop career skills."

Business involved in the scheme include Newcastle Building Society, Barratt Homes, Newcastle University, Newcastle Dental Hospital, Northern Rock, Ebbert and Co, Integral, Greggs and 3663 Booker.

ENDS