UNION members who return to learning could soon benefit from a new cash fund.

The Northern Trades Union Congress (TUC) launched the fund, which will help encourage and promote wider access to learning in the work place.

The fund, worth about £500,000, can be used to help pay for courses that union members want to take.

The TUC fund was launched in partnership with the Learning and Skills Council in the North-East.

Anne Hansen, learning services co-ordinator of the Northern TUC, said: "I hope that unions and employers will make the most of this exciting opportunity. Learning can make a real difference to the quality of working peoples lives and improve the skills base of our businesses.