SOLDIERS have been lending their talents to a project to help young people learn valuable skills for the future.

Spotlight Training and Media, which runs courses for students aged between 14 and 16 who may not be in school education, has taken over premises in Westgate, Guisborough.

Kevin Bowes and Andrew Sowerby, of the firm, who were former regulars with the Green Howards, and their friend from the Territorial Army, Darren Thompson, asked men from the Green Howards regimental recruiting team to help revamp the building.

The soldiers worked alongside students to get the premises ready for opening in the new year.

Under the scheme, youngsters can learn a wide range of academic and practical skills, and gain nationally recognised qualifications.

When complete, the building will contain an Internet caf, a multimedia studio, classrooms and leisure areas. It will be open to the public when students are not using the facilities.