A VITAL support group for unemployed people in South Tynedale has survived the threat of closure thanks to a £15,000 cash boost.

Haltwhistle Unemployment Support Group helps around 40 people a year to find work.

It runs a weekly drop-in centre at Haltwhistle Swimming and Leisure Centre, where people can improve their job seeking and interview skills.

But the volunteer-led group was only set up as a pilot in 2014, with a limited pot of funding.

Now housing provider Isos has contributed £10,000 and the Royal Bank of Scotland £5,000, which will keep the group running for the next 12 months.

Chief officer from Community Action Northumberland (CAN) Andy Dean said: “This was initially a pilot project and was only funded for one year after receiving cash from the European Social Fund.

“But the group proved to be successful in helping people find their way back into work. We have kept it going ourselves during its second year and now it’s great news that this latest funding has been forthcoming.”

Isos community involvement officer John Temple said the support group can be life-changing for people in South Tynedale.

He added: “Support groups like this have the potential to make a big difference to someone’s life.

“Not just by helping them secure a job or training, or a volunteering opportunity, but by building their confidence and self-esteem and helping them become part of the wider community.”

CAN’s Julia Plinston, who is co-ordinator of the Haltwhistle Unemployment Support Group said: “We are delighted to receive this funding, which will enable the group to continue its good work in Haltwhistle.”

Isos has also made a grant of £5,000 to Haltwhistle’s Young and Sweet youth initiative, which provides careers advice, recreational opportunities and informal education for young people.

The cash injection from Isos will enable Young and Sweet to launch a new gardening club for people up to the age of 19.

Young and Sweet is currently working with Haltwhistle Partnership on a proposed move into new premises at the town’s former Hillside Care Home.

The Hillside site, which also has outdoor space, will provide a more spacious alternative to its current base at the Water Tower at Haltwhistle railway station.