A SPECIALIST college in Newton-le-Willows has received funding for its environmental project.

Ascent College, formerly Wargrave House LEAP college, opened a preloved café and shop last year after securing £8000 to launch the project.

The college has now received additional funding to boost the environmental project as part of a collective mission to help Liverpool City Region reduce, reuse, and recycle more.

Lauren Molyneux, teacher and project lead at Ascent College, said: "The previous project was all about promoting more sustainable ways of living and for students to learn vocational skills in sectors like woodwork, horticulture, retail and hospitality.

“We used the funding to deliver a series of tailored and practical workshops and tutorials, which helped establish industry specific skills that have helped support our young adults as they transition from further education to vocational pathways, apprenticeships, employment, or higher education.

“We’re excited to receive funding once again and can’t wait to get started on our new eco project.

“We want to make it accessible for people to make sustainable lifestyle changes as well as building a community hub for people to access free or affordable activities for themselves and their families.

“The project will also enable our students to build vital preparation for adulthood skills."

The funding was a portion of the £165,000 grant awarded to thirteen community groups.

The funding came from Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority and Veolia Community Fund in an attempt to boost local recycling initiatives.

Chief executive of Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority Lesley Worswick added: “Our Community Fund – which has been running annually since 2006 - gives groups the opportunity to look after the environment, bringing benefits to all of us.

“We’re always impressed with the ideas that come in and the creativity of the region’s grassroots organisations.

“I wish all our projects the best and look forward to seeing the impact they have.”