THE region is due to benefit from a £250,000 cash boost for local projects.

Education and Employment Minister Tessa Blackstone yesterday announced £2.8m over two years for new projects around the country, which will open up further opportunities for adult learning within local communities.

Money from the fifth round of the Adult and Community Learning Fund has been awarded to 188 organisations.

The fund uses activities that matter most to local people, from healthcare and managing money to writing and photography, as a route to learning.

Grants ranging from £3,000 to £38,000 will go to a wide range of activities.

Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, in Redcar, is to receive £9,524, which will be used for local environment projects as a way of encouraging basic skills and further education.

The Depaul Trust, in Newcastle, will receive £30,000 and plans to develop an intensive basic skills and sports programme for 16 to 25-year-olds.

Northallerton Wheels Project, in North Yorkshire, will get £10,784 to develop a website and a video to explain the needs of a skateboard club to the local council.

In York, the Friends of St Nicholas Urban Fields Nature Park will receive £30,000 to provide basic skills and training opportunities for 100 visually impaired unemployed people.

Ms Blackstone said: "The Adult and Community Learning Fund provides money for innovative, accessible local activities that encourage people to develop their skills and make a contribution to their local community."