Blackpool's young people to benefit from £60m scheme

The resort is one of 10 places designated as ‘opportunity areas’ where measures will be introduced to help improve social mobility.

This will include focusing on teacher support, school improvement, careers advice, mentoring and apprenticeships.

The programme was announced by Education Secretary Justine Greening at the Conservative Party Conference.

She said the schemes would give children “the best start in life, no matter what their background”.

Ms Greening said: “This Conservative Government is determined to build a country that works for everyone, and education is at the heart of that ambition.

“Opportunity areas will help local children get the best start in life, no matter what their background.

“This is about giving children in these areas the right knowledge and skills, advice at the right time.

“My department will work with local authorities and the wider community, not just to focus on what we can do to help inside schools, but also create the opportunities outside school that will raise sights and broaden horizons.”