YOUNG people are to benefit from a multi-million pound project to be piloted in the North-East.
The Royal Bank of Scotland has donated almost £4m to the Prince's Trust to create Route 14/25, a charity for disadvantaged young people.
The scheme that will also run in the North-West and Scotland, before it is taken nation-wide, will help thousands of 14 to 25-year-olds to learn skills, develop confidence, get into work and set up business.
It will target the needs of each youngster and monitor their progress.
The scheme, which will build upon the trust's existing programmes, was developed after research identified the North-East as an area of need.
The Royal Bank of Scotland's donation makes it the biggest partnership between a business and voluntary organisation.
A spokesman for The Royal Bank of Scotland Group said: "Thousands of disadvantaged young people will benefit."
The bank will donate a further £6m to help long-term investments and small business start-ups
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