A SOCIAL enterprise has secured funding to give community programmes boost.

Stanley Events, who are behind Stanley Fireworks Festival, will receive £10,000 from the Community Business Trade Up Programme.

The company now has over 60 staff, alongside its directors, manager, leisure staff and community volunteers.

The funding will be used to increase their hours, and to continue providing free or reduced admission cost entertainment for the community.

Anna Marshall, manager of Stanley Events, which also oversees Stanley Community Football Centre, said: “To secure this backing for Stanley Events is incredible.

“We applied for the scheme because we thought it would really make a difference to our community, which is exactly why Stanley Events was set up in the first place.

“This support will enable us to increase staff hours, and create more events and entertainment for the people of Stanley and its surrounding communities.”

Stanley Events training programme was launched in 2014 and has worked with over 300 local people, helping many long-term unemployed residents find work.

As well as funding, Stanley Events will also benefit from 12 days of expert support and advice centred around developing its income.

Katie Platten, who has worked for Stanley Events since 2015, said: “I am so pleased that the funding has been awarded to Stanley Events, so that more people can benefit from the help that I received.

“The training and job I secured meant that I was able to come off benefits and helped me with my anxiety. I now have a permanent job and much more confidence.”