A LEADING training company in the region has secured government funding usually reserved for colleges.

South West Durham Training has been awarded £200,000 by the Department for Education and Skills and the Learning and Skills Council.

The money is in addition to £600,000 already awarded to the company to develop itself as the only "pathfinder" Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) for advanced engineering in the UK.

The grant will go towards the construction of a building designed to house training provision for the polymer industry.

Working from the Aycliffe Industrial Park, in County Durham, since its inception in 1967, South West Durham Training has grown steadily and built a solid reputation, with a history of high-quality training provision for engineering companies across the region.

Chief executive Bob Waller said: "This is further recognition from the Government of our progress and a real feather in our cap, as this type of funding is generally the preserve of the established colleges.

"It is a very positive endorsement of the company and reflects the team's continuing hard work to ensure that we offer young people the very best in learning opportunities."