CARE home staff in Darlington are to benefit from a training and development project, thanks to a £380,000 European Social Fund grant.

Darlington Borough Council will use the money to train staff working in private and voluntary sector residential and nursing homes.

The authority linked with CARO Enterprises, Darlington College of Technology, City Centre Training and the Tees Valley Learning and Skills Council to bid for the money.

Under the Care Standards Act 2000, private and voluntary sector care providers must train and develop their staff's skills. It stipulates that 50 per cent of staff must be qualified to NVQ Level 2 by 2005, and some of the grant money will be used to achieve that goal.

It is hoped the Care Ability Project, as it is known, will form a solid foundation for effective partnership working on training issues and help to ensure care staff are equipped to deal with their role supporting vulnerable adults.

Councillor Bill Dixon, cabinet member for social services, said: "We have a good track record in working with private and voluntary sector care providers, and this further enhances our commitment to real partnership working in Darlington."

The project will be launched at the Hall Garth Golf and Country Club on Wednesday, from 1pm to 4pm. Private and voluntary sector providers are invited to attend. More information is available on 0800 195 8799.