A Malton-BASED training association has big plans for the future following a cash windfall of more than £400,000.

The Derwent Training Association (DTA), will use the money to expand its current operation and construct a purpose-built training centre on the York Road industrial estate at Malton.

"With this funding we are going to build a training centre of excellence. This is a real challenge, it's so exciting, it gives us a brilliant advantage," said Lesley Brewer, administration manager for the DTA.

The DTA, which currently has 85 apprentices, is a registered charity and operates as a non-profit organisation.

It specialises in offering training courses for engineers and has grown to become the biggest provider of such services in North Yorkshire.

The DTA is a training centre with a difference, promoting what Lesley calls "earn-while-you-learn" style training. These are City and Guilds and National Vocational Qualifications, which are generally done on a day-release basis from the workplace.

The association currently has two separate sites on Malton's Showfield Lane industrial estate, but facilities are sparse and space is cramped.

David Sanderson, training centre manager, believes the new centre, which should be completed by the end of the year, will benefit the whole of Ryedale.

"The DTA will be giving something to the area with this new centre," Mr Sanderson said. "We will hopefully attract businesses to the area because of the training services we provide and the kids might stay in Ryedale because there is something extra to keep them here," he added.

In total the association received £410,000.

The money has come from North Yorkshire Training and Enterprise Council, Ryedale District Council and from the Single Regeneration Budget, issued by Yorkshire Forward.

David says DTA has built "strong partnerships" with all of these groups.

Once the centre is built David hopes to expand the number of courses on offer, including evening courses, and next Easter will begin offering two-week work-experience placements for school children.

"The idea is to show people there are more choices out there than going straight into sixth form," said Lesley.

"There are other opportunities such as earning and learning which you could look at doing."