A project has been launched on Teesside to help youngsters in care get the best out of education.

A learning mentor will be employed to work with young people in Years 10 and 11 who are about to sit exams or choose exam options.

The aim of the project is to make sure the youngsters get the best possible advice about the opportunities open to them in education, as well as health and social care.

Working with educational specialists, the children's schools and social workers, the mentor will support and encourage young people during their studies, make sure they have access to the right materials and help to boost their confidence. The mentor will also be able to help foster carers by liaising between the young person and the school.

The project, funded by Hartlepool Borough Council, will start in June and will initially run for six months. Peter Seller, assistant director of social services, said: "We want to make sure that young people in care have the best possible support to help them make the most of the education opportunities available to them.

"This will help to make sure that when they become adults and leave care, they have the qualifications and confidence to make successful careers for themselves."