A HOUSING association's work in securing jobs for 27 young people has resulted in an award.

Bentilee-based Epic won the West Midlands' What we are Proud of Awards for its approach to providing jobs, homes and training.

It saw off three other Midlands-based associations after presenting details of the scheme at a ceremony last month.

Epic provided employment for 27 young people, aged 18 to 24, through the previous Government's Future Jobs Fund scheme.

They ranged from garden maintenance to research and administration.

It was also recognised for its work in setting up social enterprise Bentilee Environmental Services and Training Team (BEST), which works on the estate to paint fences, maintain gardens and pick up litter.

Chief executive Len Gibbs said: "We are passionate about helping people achieve their potential through creating new jobs, providing high-quality housing and first-class training."