TWO Halton charities have each received almost £10,000 from the Big Lottery Fund.

Halebank Youth Club community learning project has been awarded £9, 816 to run a weekly job club.

The initiative will help youngsters improve their IT skills and interview techniques as well as providing money management and budgeting.

The Cathie Stankevitch Foundation set up by former rugby league star John Stankevitch in memory of his late mum has received £9,910.

The project aims to make a difference to the lives of children, young people and adults by creating opportunities for sport and community activities.

The funding will help recruit and train trustees and volunteers and establish an office.

Dad-of-three John, 36, from Hough Green, said: “This opens up massive opportunities.

“We have big plans we want to achieve.

“We can now find suitable premises and set up an office. It will be much easier to recruit volunteers.

“There are lots of disadvantaged people out there. This project will help us to engage with them.”