More than 20 unemployed people in Bury have been given a career boost after being given access to free training.

Leading training provider Realise is delivering fully funded adult education budget (AEB) vocational training to people in Bury, Rochdale and Oldham in conjunction with Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

Anyone over the age of 19, living in any of these three towns and not in employment is eligible to sign up for courses.

Read more: Tributes flood in for lifelong Bury FC fan Kenny Hindle

Realise has seen huge interest in its programmes, with 21 learners already taking the opportunity to boost their skills in Bury and some already entering employment.

The programmes on offer include functional skills in English and maths, logistics and warehousing, introduction to early years, vocational hairdressing, cleaning, mental health first aid, digital skills, licensed security officer, licensed event steward and employability skills.

Training takes place at Bury FC's Gigg Lane Stadium.

Read more: Bury College opens new hair and beauty centre

Operations director for adult learning at Realise, Dan Goodall, said: “These courses exist to help people in Greater Manchester get into employment.

“We have seen fantastic uptake in Bury across all our AEB courses and we have already seen people secure jobs as a direct result of their new qualifications, including some people who were long-term unemployed. Two people have even joined the Realise team as members of staff.

“We work closely with the local Job Centre to ensure we are meeting the needs of the local economy.

“We have also successfully forged partnerships with major local employers, including housebuilders, supermarkets and logistics companies, enabling us to understand market needs and link suitable people with appropriate local vacancies.

“It’s very exciting to be making a long-term difference to people’s lives by giving them opportunities to upskill.”

Read more: Elton Primary School retains 'Good' Ofsted rating

AEB courses are also taking place at Rochdale Football Club’s Crown Oil Arena and in Oldham at Earl Business Centre.

In total, just over 1,600 people will receive training in Greater Manchester with 666 in Rochdale, 453 in Bury and 519 in Oldham over the course of the 12-month contract.