A NEW digital community hub will help young job seekers in Chipping Norton find work.

Not-for-profit community group Experience Chipping Norton (ECN) have secured funding to establish the hub, to be known as OX7, which will be used to train and engage people in their teens and early 20s.

The cash injection is part of the Government’s £3.25m communities fund, which will launch more than 50 projects in the UK over the next three years.

Chairman of ECN Shaun Fagan said: “What makes the digital hub unique is the fact that not only will these youngsters gain valuable life, digital and general workplace skills, they’ll be encouraged to use them within the safe, supportive context of a local town team.

“We’re here to support them every step of the way, offering them a range of great opportunities to play a real part in their community, help them get their lives back on track and become truly work-ready.”

ECN will set up, implement and manage the 'Community Digital Hub' in Chipping Norton over a two-year period, in conjunction with West Oxfordshire District Council, after which time it will have to become sustainable.

The hub will provide digital, workplace and life skills to local youngsters aged 16 to 24 who are not currently engaged in education, employment or training.

Users of OX7 will be plugged into the town’s business and social community using ECN's award-winning digital platform, multiple social media channels and the Chippy Means Business digital sponsorship scheme.

The group is in the process of securing premises to house OX7, along with a key worker to engage, train and manage users of the scheme.

ECN steered Chippy to the finals of the Great British High Street of the Year Awards two years running, in 2015 and 2016.

A date for the launch of OX7 will be announced soon.