A COUNSELLING and support service for young people has received a welcome cash boost of £15,000.

The Junction, in Redcar, provides free and confidential information, support and counselling for people aged 25 and under in the Redcar and Cleveland area.

Over the past year, the organisation has provided direct and indirect support and advice to 2,880 young people on issues such as housing and homelessness, benefits, drug and alcohol abuse, job interviews, court appearances, prostitution, bullying, disability, mental health, sexual health, violence and harassment.

The extra cash, from the Greggs Trust, will help fund the post of youth information and support worker.

The service, a registered charity established three years ago, is provided by 23 experienced and trained volunteers from premises in central Redcar and through outreach sessions in a community centre in Eston and in rural communities in east Cleveland.

Project manager Julia Bracknall, from The Junction, which works closely with a range of agencies including the Probation Service, local accommodation providers, schools and colleges, said: "It is really good news to receive support like this."

Jenni Wagstaff, manager of the Greggs Trust, the charitable arm of Greggs plc, which focuses on the alleviation of poverty and social deprivation, said: "The Junction seems to have built up a good reputation among young people and agencies for being able to help address problems of a practical and emotional nature.

"We are very pleased to be able to support this worthwhile and much-needed service."