A campaign in The Newcastle Journal has clinched almost £9m for education in the North-East.

The campaign was started after The Journal reported how the Government was taking money from local council adult education funding and spending it elsewhere.

The council faced losing millions from its adult education funding settlements, which is supplied through the new Learning and Skills Councils, as the Government returned just a fraction of the cost.

After initially denying that councils would lose out, the Government has pledged an extra £52m to help address pressures nationwide, with Education Secretary David Blunkett announcing: “We have listened to the North-East and made sure that extra money is there to continue raising standards.”

Northumberland County Council leader Michael Davey said: “This demonstrates that the Government has ears. I am surprised, but as long as there are no strings attached, this has got to be very good news.

“I appreciate the help given on this matter by The Journal.”

Newcastle City Council has been granted an extra £760,000

Head of finance Paul Woods said: “Clearly the government has listened to local authorities and we must congratulate our local MPs – as well as The Journal – for fighting so strongly on our behalf.”

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