ST HELENS College has won a regional award for its work to help young people get back into education or employment.

With a long-standing history of delivering The Prince's Trust team programme, the college has been named winner of the charity's north west Team Programme Delivery Award.

In 2014, the college was named one of the best performing Prince's Trust partners in the country.

Victoria Kelly, the college's curriculum leader for Princes' Trust, said: "We are delighted to have received the award and recognition for all of our hard work.

"The team at St Helens College have worked tirelessly for almost two decades and the result of their hard work has been life-changing for learners.

"The award is a credit to both the staff, past and present, who have worked so hard, and the inspiring young people who have taken part."

The programme is designed for 16 to 25-year-olds who are seeking the opportunity to develop interpersonal skills and improve their career prospects.

Learners work together on community renovation projects which they plan before carrying out fundraising activities and calling on local businesses to donate equipment and materials.

David Taylor, of DTC Associates, who works closely with the college's Prince's Trust programme, said: "After 12 weeks the transformation in the learners is always amazing."

With team support and through hard work, learners have accumulated over £176,000 worth of materials and labour for community projects over the years.

For information on taking part in The Prince's Trust team programme at the college, call 0800 99 66 99.