A THORNABY-based charity has secured more than 90 jobs after winning a new contract to provide interpreting services across Teesside.

Everyday Language Solutions (ELS) is celebrating as those either employed by the organisation or work on a freelance basis can now continue interpreting and translating for health services.

The move comes as a result of a board meeting of the Tees Primary Care Trusts held at Middlesbrough Teaching and Learning last week. The group represents Middlesbrough, Stockton, Hartlepool and Redcar and Cleveland Primary Care Trusts and it contracted ELS as the main provider of interpreting and translation services across the areas covered by the authorities.

ELS director, Wendy Lillie, said: "This is extremely good news for the people who work for and with us - and their families.

"The decision clearly means that the PCT Trusts see Everyday Language Solutions as the leading source for interpreting and translation services across the Tees Valley.

"That recognition is very rewarding and provides us with justification for insisting on high quality training and professional qualifications for the people we use."

She added: "The contract begins immediately and will run for three years - providing us with an opportunity to support many more clients.

"Being a not-for-profit charity means we always are extremely aware of costs and providing value for money.

"Funding can be difficult in the best of times, and these aren’t the best of times. But now we can undertake our forward planning knowing that the work we do for the PCTs will support us in providing training for new interpreters."

The news came as two more public bodies signed up to the 24-hour phone interpreting service, which was launched in February.

The County Durham and Darlington Acute Trust and the West Yorkshire Probation Service are the latest authorities to take advantage of the service.

In addition, the West Yorkshire Probation Service has also asked ELS to provide the full range of interpreting and translation services for a trial period of three months, which could lead to a longer term contract.