MORE than 40 people have started work supporting some of the most vulnerable children and families in the region.

Participants on the Frontline programme, the largest social work training programme in the country, have this week started working in local authorities across England including Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Durham.

Of the 393 participants, the North East has welcomed 41 trainees, more than 10 per cent of the 2019 intake, to support the most vulnerable children and families in the region.

This is the fourth year that the charity has partnered with local authorities in the region to offer placements which has resulted in the training of more than 1,000 social workers in England.

Josh MacAlister, Frontline’s chief executive, said: "Children and families often on the fringes of society rely on social workers to stand alongside them during their most difficult moments. We need more outstanding individuals joining the profession to support vulnerable children and families up and down the country. Social work has the power to change lives and we’re looking forward to developing more social workers across the North East to help give every child a safe and stable home."

Children and Families Minister Kemi Badenoch said social workers do one of the most challenging jobs in society and the scheme helps to recruit and retain the best.