A SERVICE helping the homeless and drug addicts has been so successful it will run for another 12 months.

The Turnaround Project has exceeded its target of reaching 40 people by the end of the programme.

After launching in September last year, the project, which was to end in March 2006, has already taken 50 people onto the programme.

Thanks to its success, the project has been awarded funding from the Learning and Skills Council for a further year's work.

The scheme offers mentoring, City and Guilds training, educational support, job search and accommodation.

It is run by a partnership led by Stockton Borough Council's adult education service with The Turnaround Homes Charity and Action Team for Jobs.

Several people on the programme have gone on to further education, others are ready to take up work, including one who has been working in the voluntary sector and is now going into paid employment.

Councillor Alex Cunningham, Stockton council's cabinet member for education, leisure and cultural services, said: "It is a really innovative way of accessing learning and education, support and accommodation for these individuals, and can ultimately lead to them finding work or further education."