Ex-Workington Town and Whitehaven star Ryan MacDonald has joined forces with his partner to set up a vocational learning centre in his home town.

Mr MacDonald and his partner Louise Varey have taken over the old Chambers Homecentre building on James Street to set up their new venture.

And they hope to help youngsters from the age of 12 up to young adults who can't adapt to mainstream education to reach their full potential.

"We want to work with students who struggle to conform to mainstream standards," said Mr MacDonald, who played professional rugby league at the top level with Widnes.

"We want to give them vocational, academic and social skills and we also want to give back to the local community."

The duo, along with Town assistant coach Craig McDowell, who will also be working at the Helping Hands centre, are passionate about their work.

And after being involved in vocational learning in the Halifax area, they decided to relocate back to Workington and plug what they see is a gap in the system in West Cumbria.

With over 30 years of experience in working with youngsters with social, emotional and mental health difficulties, the team are keen to start their new venture.

They have transformed the building with help from local businesses including Jacobs, Stobbarts Ltd, Steve's Paints, Workington library, Simon Tuck and On Trak.

Louise added: "We also want to change people's views on this group of people from negative to positive by working with the local community.

"Representatives from the fire service and police will also come in and talk to the students and change their perspective on authority, they can hopefully then see that they are all just human."

In the building there is an IT suite, a fully equipped kitchen, library, recreational room and a hair and beauty studio.

There is also an allotment, bikes to bring back to working order and furniture to be restored and given back out to the community.