BOLTON and Bury jobless are getting a boost from European funds to the tune of £118,324.

The package announced from the European Social Fund is aimed at tackling long-term unemployment.

An additional £83,854 is also earmarked for the two towns but is subject to final approval.

And European chiefs expect the amount of cash will be doubled by money from private and other public sectors.

Bolton and Bury Chamber of Commerce is set to get £38,497 for a Youth Skills Preparation project and £37,969 for a scheme called A Step in the Right Direction.

Bury Council will get £41,858 for a scheme entitled Working Start.

Extra cash is likely to be going to Bolton Council - £33,445 - and Bolton Institute - £50,409 - but has yet to be approved.

It is part of a £13 million package for the North-west region.

The cash will be injected into projects with a focus on young people, disadvantaged groups and initiatives to promote equal opportunities.

Janet Bennett, project manager of the Youth Skills Preparation for Bolton Bury Chamber, said: "This announcement is excellent news for the many young people within the area who will benefit from and get a second chance."

Marianne Neville-Rolfe, of Government Office North West overseeing the cash hand-out, said: "This is good news for Bolton and Bury.

"All the organisations which have been offered funding showed a tremendous commitment to their projects and the people involved.

"The funding will have a positive and far reaching impact on employment in the area."

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