A CARE trust that runs a mental health centre at Airedale Hospital aims to improve the training and skills of healthcare support workers across the region.

Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust has joined forces with Leeds Teaching Hospitals to launch an excellence centre.

The initiative will help staff in various healthcare settings – including hospitals, care homes, dental surgeries and GP practices – to develop in their roles.

Care trust chief executive, Simon Large, said: "We are delighted to be a key partner in this new venture, which will bring together local employers and training providers, across health and social care.

"Staff are our most valuable asset and this initiative will provide development opportunities for our healthcare support teams."