A SPORTS scheme that has attracted praise from Tony Blair and Mo Mowlam has been boosted by a Teesside firm.
The Reach for Success programme, which is based at Eston Sports Academy, uses basketball in schools to promote teamwork and a healthy lifestyle.
Through the influence of sporting role models, it encourages youngsters to aim high and avoid crime and drug misuse.
A helping hand, in the form of a £750 donation, has come from the chemical firm Ineos Acrylics, which employs about 400 people at its Billingham site.
The cash will be used to support a health and safety training workshop for youngsters.
Using English, American, Canadian and European coaches from the successful Teesside Mohawks Basketball Club, the project has benefited more than 4,000 Teessiders aged from six to 20 years, in the past three years.
Project director, Tony Hanson, who also coaches the Mohawks team, said: "The support we receive from firms like Ineos Acrylics is vital to our success."
Ineos Acrylics' senior engineering manager, Stephen Medlock, said: "Reach for Success has a fantastic track record of helping youngsters in the local community to aim high and we were delighted to help."
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