A NEW scheme to provide IT and business qualifications to an education-deprived area of Blackpool has been met with delight by residents.

Grange Park is set to benefit from the scheme, giving people the chance to take a step towards getting qualifications that will benefit the community.

The course will be run by Blackpool and the Fylde College on Grange Park Junior School's property.

Nora Lynam, curriculum manager for the project, summed up the initiative, saying: "The idea is that we're offering programmes and qualifications for people to work in the local community so it ploughs back what we sow.

"We are offering an NVQ in business administration and child care and we're hoping it will all build up."

Maureen Cooke, community development co-ordinator for the project said: "When people came to enrol, they couldn't see the whole set up but when, they come to enrol in September, the room will be ready

Grange Park resident Craig McKeen said: "Grange Park has no further education facilities - just the school for the under-16s - the nearest college is at Bispham or Palatine.

"This will open a door for people to start over."

Fellow resident Nicky Dooley has also signed up for the course. She said: "I had a baby early on and got no qualifications so this will start me off.

"You have to start somewhere and this will make a change and a difference."

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