STUDENTS in St Helens and Knowsley could benefit from £10.5 million funding granted for the Liverpool city region.

Subject to final approval, the first tranche of a £232m grant will go to further education colleges and training bodies in the region - being used to develop a 'northern logistics academy' in St Helens and Knowsley.

At a meeting of Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, the funding was given conditional approval for co-investment in a range of capital projects, including the St Helens and Knowsley proposal.

The aim is to upgrade skills training throughout the area, helping to meet employer demands and enhance job prospects by improving the quality of learning.

The funding is part of the Liverpool City Region's £232 million growth deal that was secured by the Local Enterprise Partnership last year.

Robert Hough, chair of Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said: "When we bid to Government for local growth funding last year we identified skills as one of our priorities, and I am extremely pleased to see the first tranche of our growth deal being allocated to our city region colleges.

"This funding will now enable our educational establishments to enhance and develop their facilities ensuring our future workforce is equipped with the necessary talents and training for the jobs of today and tomorrow."