TRAINING for young people in a deprived area of Middlesbrough is to receive a financial lifeline from the Big Lottery Fund.

The Breckon Hill Community Association has been awarded £124,214 to support its services and expand training, while also showing people how to prepare for job interviews and apply for work.

The centre prides itself on offering a complete range of multi-ethnic services for all the community.

The association used to meet in a portable classroom at the local primary school, but now it has a £338,000 centre, thanks to the European Regional Development Fund and an earlier National Lottery grant.

People from many ethnic communities, including Chinese, Afro-Caribbean, Bangladeshi and Asian, meet at the centre to use the facilities or simply drop in for a chat.

Community centre manager Amanda Buck said: "We are delighted to get this funding - it is a lifeline for us. We are obviously doing something right, because this is the second time we have received Lottery funding, and I don't think that happens very often.

"This is high-depravation area, and most of our clients are people who are going into work for the first time. We offer a range of advice and services to help them find work and help build their confidence."

She added: "The majority of the grant will be used to employ a community engagement co-ordinator for the next three years.

"This person will be the first point of contact for people coming into the centre, and will be able to direct the person in the right direction, whether it is accessing new skills, or help and advice.

"We have come a long way since the association first started, and this money will help to continue that progress with our ten-year development plan."

* Older people in Middlesbrough's Hindu and Sikh community have also benefited from the latest round of awards from the Lottery-funded scheme.

The Hindu Cultural Society will be able to use the £61,120 to also assist unemployed people, arrange cultural activities and organise excursions for members.