A DISABLED people's training college has unveiled £10m expansion plans to cater for twice the number of students.

Finchale Training College, on the outskirts of Durham, launched the proposals at an all-party presentation in Westminster last week.

It provides employment-focused training courses and support services for about 350 disabled people a year.

But while it receives students from all over the country, many are unable to spend 40 weeks - the time required for residential courses - away from home.

As part of a five-year development plan, the college will reduce the length of courses to 15 or 20 weeks.

It will also increase the number of residential places from 125 to 200, and establish a new recreational and social building with a bar, archery range, hydrotherapy and sports facilities, and meeting rooms.

College principal Dr David Etheridge, said the changes were expected to have a major impact.

"It's a major development in terms of the services we provide and the development of the site," he said.

"We are a national college, running courses in subjects like computer technology, accountancy, horticulture and warehousing, which lead people into employment.

"We are looking to make the courses a lot more accessible to people who want to do short programmes, or who want to come to us for a short period then go back to work experience with an employer."

The college hopes the improved flexibility will help boost its annual number of residential and day students to 700.

Dr Etheridge said those staying could look forward to better accommodation.

"All the rooms will be ensuite, whereas at the moment they are like halls of residence," he said.

"Each group of six rooms will have its own lounge, dining and washing facilities."

In addition to helping the unemployed back into work, the college will cater for those at risk of losing their jobs due to disabilities.

It will also benefit local disabled groups by allowing them access to its recreational facilities.

Dr Etheridge said: "Our development plan will remove barriers and change the lives of adults who had given up hope of being included as equals in society.