A SCHEME to help young people claim benefits has been given a funding boost.

Hartlepool's Benefits Advice Project, run by Manor Residents' Association and the West View Advice and Resource Centre, dealt with more than 250 inquiries in the first six months of the year.

The project team helps people find out about their entitlement to benefits, including income support, jobseekers allowance, child benefit, and industrial injuries benefit.

The scheme has received a £55,000 grant from the National Lotteries Charities Board, which will extend the project by two years.

Kevin Vasey, Manor Residents' Association chairman said: "The ultimate aim is to train volunteers who will be able to establish and maintain a voluntary benefits advice service.