Glasgow social enterprise the Wise Group has secured a major contract to deliver a youth employability initiative in the north-east of England.

The Wise Group is to receive more than £10 million from the Big Lottery Fund's £100m Talent Match.

The lottery distributor sought bids to deliver a scheme designed by young people to help 18 to 24-year-olds who were struggling most to get on the career ladder.

Aimed at those who have been out of work or education for at least 12 months, Talent Match has been set up to help tackle a youth employment crisis that BLF said threatened an entire generation, as well as the wider economy.

Laurie Russell, pictured, chief executive of the Wise Group, said: "A partnership of young people, employers, and the third and public sector agencies have worked together to develop this exciting and innovative project."