A LEADING business organisation is investing more than £70,000 to increase the places it offers at one of its training centres.

The North East Chamber of Commerce's (NECC) Sunderland Training Centre has enjoyed its most successful year, prompting the decision to expand.

The centre has more than 300 trainees, up a quarter on last year, learning trades including accounting, dental nursing and engineering.

The investment will provide three teaching rooms with leading training facilities and broadband access.

Centre manager John Hills said: "The opening of three new teaching rooms helps to strengthen the first-class facilities we have, and is particularly timely at this time of the year, with so many school-leavers making decisions about what step to take next.

"We can help them to gain the experience and practical skills they need."