AN online bingo firm has announced a partnership with Sunderland College.

Founded 50 years ago, Sunderland-based Tombola has invested £1m at its headquarters, part of which has been used to create the Tombola Academy.

The firm, which employs 200 people on Wearside, is now recruiting apprentices and graduates who will learn game development and design from the firm’s experts.

Phil Cronin, chief executive of Tombola Ltd, said: “Tombola is the market leader in Europe and we believe much of our success is down to our unique IP, which is all designed and developed in the North East.

“Finding the next generation of imaginative developers and inventive thinkers is a priority and a challenge for the company. We want to attract and develop the best talent from the region to work with tombola to originate new games and develop our overall online proposition.”

Anne Isherwood, Principal of Sunderland College said: “We’re delighted to be partnering such an important Sunderland company in this new, exciting venture.

“Software development and the digital industries are areas of specialism in the region and it’s important that companies like tombola know that there is a steady stream of well-trained students with the right skills and attitude ready to fill their vacancies.

“As a college, it’s important that local companies know we have the flexibility to create bespoke solutions to their training and employment needs.”