A North East skills project that helps get people into work has received thousands of pounds as a grant.

The Parker Trust's Pathways project, based in Sunderland, has been awarded £4,914 from the Newcastle Building Society Community Fund.

The project, which supports around 40 young people aged 16 to 25, aims to remove barriers to employment and improve long-term job prospects.

Karen Noble, centre manager at the Parker Trust, said: "Our aim is to upskill local young people in and around Sunderland who may lack self-esteem, not have any formal qualifications or have experienced barriers to employment so that they have a better chance of catching a potential employer’s eye and getting on their interview list.

"We’re already seeing positive outcomes for our first batch of students, with several of them going on to secure work experience or interviews, get volunteering positions and find employment, and with the support of Newcastle Building Society we’re looking forward to welcoming even more local teens and young people to learn with us in the coming months."

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The grant will help fund the salary of a Pathways Worker, who will assist the young people in finding meaningful work experience and long-term employment in the North East.

The project, now in its second year, addresses issues such as low school attainment, low confidence, and undiagnosed autism.

It has already helped its first 40 participants move forward with their career ambitions.

Jamie Anderson, customer advisor at Newcastle Building Society, said: "Developing skills and employability to help people across our heartland area is one of the core focuses of our charitable giving.

"The Parker Trust team has developed a practical project for dozens of local young people to develop the skills they need to move towards careers that they will love, and it’s a pleasure to be able to support their inspiring work."