'I was on £630 a month in benefits... now I'm earning £1,130 a week!'

A MULTI-BILLION-POUND north Manchester regeneration scheme is bringing thousands of new homes and jobs - and some are already benefiting.

- By GEORGE LYTHGOE

The North Manchester Social Benefits Framework, set up to accompany the massive regeneration projects at Victoria North and North Manchester General Hospital, has been refreshed.

The framework goes beyond just houses and jobs, leaders have said - with the heart of its vision to help create a stronger, healthier north Manchester.

The £6bn boost - fronted by Manchester council, FEC UK, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust - includes healthcare and social value.

In addition to 4,911 jobs and the hundreds of houses already built, £30m in social value has also been generated, bosses say. Social value is the positive impact a project has on society, going beyond financial returns.

One person who has already benefited is Collyhurst resident Thomas Davies.

The Collyhurst Skills Centre graduate said: "I was on benefits where I was getting £630 a month as a single parent.