A PROJECT to introduce people with learning disabilities to horticulture is in line for a £112,000 boost.

The scheme called Access to Employment, based in South Park, Darlington, was set up two years ago by the Darlington Learning Disability Service with money from the European Social Fund.

So far 13 people have been trained to work in the horticulture industry under the scheme. The trainees had all shown an interest in gardening and the scheme helped them develop and enhance their skills.

During the scheme they have worked in the town's parks to maintain the flowers and other displays.

They have also moved into the gardening market by offering their services to cut grass and tidy up the gardens of people in Darlington.

Everyone attending the project has worked towards certificates from Darlington College of Technology and Guisborough College.

Because of the success of the project, an application has been submitted for an extra £54,434 of European Social Funding which will be matched by Darlington Borough Council. The money will allow the project to continue for at least a further 18 months and will help another nine people take advantage of the scheme.

It is hoped people on the scheme will be able to help with the improvement planned to South Park being funded by a National Lottery grant.

Councillor Bill Dixon, the council's cabinet member for social services, said: "The additional funding is excellent news and will provide an ideal opportunity for some more people to gain access to the scheme and possible future employment."