PEOPLE with learning disabilities across the county are set to benefit from a £232,000 cash injection.

Worcestershire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust has been given the lump sum by investors including the Learning Disability Development Fund in a bid to improve services for people with learning difficulties.

The cash will be used by the newly-established Trust to fill some of the "outstanding gaps" in the services provided in different parts of the county.

Dr Ian McPherson, director of mental health for the Trust, said the area was one which had traditionally been under-funded, and the cash would make a great deal of difference to patients who would be offered a range of new services.

"Services are under considerable pressure and are relatively poorly resourced," said Dr McPherson.

"It is therefore very pleasing we have got this further money. It is a relatively small amount of money but it will kick-start things.

"We are now waiting for confirmation about when the money can be released so we can make appointments.

"It is very welcome news, as concerns had been raised about links between learning difficulties and offending behaviour, and we can now try to establish better services across Worcestershire."

The money is being shared between three projects.

A community behavioural team will be set up in South Worcestershire with £150,000 of the money.

The area is the only part of the county not to have a team.

A specialist physiotherapist will be funded with £32,000 of the cash and a Local Mental Impairment Service will be set up, costing £50,000.