A NORTH-East businesswoman has donated £500,000 to boost a youth charity working in the region.

Helen McCardle made the donation to The Prince’s Trust, of which she is a patron.

It will be used to create an employability fund to support programmes running throughout the North-East.

She said: “I have consistently been impressed by The Prince’s Trust, both by the fantastic work that they do and the heart-warming stories of the young people they have helped.

“It is a pleasure to make this donation and I am delighted it will be used to help many disadvantaged young people throughout the North East to get back on their feet.”