A training company is drumming up support as it competes for funding to further its work.

Jigsaw Enterprise Training, headed by Dalton resident Gemma Blagbrough, is bidding for money from the Aviva Community Fund.

But it needs votes from friends, family and supporters to land a place in the final of the contest where a judging panel will decide how to award the cash.

Jigsaw works with people who have disabilities and and long-term health problems which present them with multiple challenges in finding and keeping sustainable employment.

Gemma said funding from the Aviva scheme would support Jigsaw’s Skill Builder pre-employment programme – a 14-week course which covers topics including confidence building, positive communication, team building and interview skills.

She said: “If we secure the funding from the Aviva Community Fund, we will be able to introduce new elements to Skill Builder, including a community project and mentoring support for students who have left the course, so that the trust and support built up on the course can be maintained.”

Said Gemma: “We are a not-for-profit social enterprise which relies solely on grant funding to carry out its work.

“Therefore opportunities like the Aviva Community Fund are vital to ensure this brilliant work continues, in reaching out further and making a difference in more people’s lives.”

People can vote until May 30 by going to community-fund.aviva.co.uk/voting/Project/View/2485