The region is to receive £85m funding to boost the skills of thousands of people.

The money, part of the European Objective Three programme, is being made available to organisations involved in training, work experience or supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.

The Government Office for the North-East (Gone) is working in partnership with the region's Learning and Skills Councils and Jobcentre Plus to make the application process as straightforward as possible.

Gone has passed the targets set by the European Commission so far, and its success may mean that the region will be eligible for more money in the coming months.

Jonathan Blackie, director of Gone, said: "Funding from the Objective Three programme is available to boost the skills of the North-East.

"The funding is used to break down barriers people may have to accessing employment and improves education and lifelong learning.

"By handing out the funds through the co-financing organisations, who are working daily to support employment and training activities and understand the needs of the community, we are ensuring that we meet people's individual and diverse needs."

Austin McNamara, executive director of the Learning and Skills Council, County Durham, said: "We are delighted that we have been able to build on the success of the Objective Three programme so far to attract further investment into County Durham.

"This will be of great benefit to individuals, communities and employers. It is also a tribute to the collaborative efforts of all the partner organisations."