A project to improve the skills of the workforce in part of Eden will be launched next month.

This is designed to support business growth in Kirkby Stephen and the upped Eden Valley.

Training will be provided by a group of organisations from throughout Cumbria, with a focus on workforce development for small and medium

sized firms in the area.

The first phase of the project will included one-to-one support, advice and an analysis of training needs.

Eden District Council's business and marketing officer Paul Walker said: “We recognise the importance of growing the local economy, promoting prosperity, creating higher paid jobs and opportunities for young people. This project is designed to identify and support training requirements to help businesses prosper and grow.

"We are working with partners from across Cumbria to ensure that businesses have access to the highest quality training which is tailored to their business needs.”

The first funded training course will be Emergency First Aid on June 13.

Other courses include Social Media for Business, Food Hygiene and Customer Service.

Chair of the Upper Eden Community Interest Company Alex Birtles said:

“To be able to provide tailored training locally is a great opportunity for businesses in the area. For many small businesses taking time out of the working week can be difficult. We would like to thank our colleagues at Eden District Council who have worked hard to make sure that the courses are delivered locally, and are as accessible as possible to the business community.”

Most of the courses are fully funded. Any which are not are eligible for a 50 per cent course fee contribution from the district council.