EXTRA funding of more than £400,000 has boosted the education budget at Derby City Council.

The council has been given £49,200 from the Government's Every Child A Reader project aimed at boosting literacy of six-year-olds with reading difficulties.

It has also been allocated £140,000 to help children aged 14 to 16 who have difficulties engaging in regular education.

The money will be used to help them develop personal, social and work skills.

An Aim Higher grant of £103,000 from the University of Derby will help promote higher education and participation among young people who would not normally think of further study after 18.

The council has also received an extra £121,720 to continue the work of the Learning and Skills Council in linking businesses and schools through the Derbyshire Education Business Partnership and advice organisation Connexions.