A County Antrim company has been awarded a £1.3m contract in England.

Newtownabbey-based Northgate Managed Services will use its expertise to help the Hastings Academy in East Sussex deliver a technology-led learning environment.

Northgate already supplies ICT services and solutions to more than 1,250 schools, colleges and academies across the UK.

The three-year contract will see Northgate working closely with the academy to develop, design and manage an IT infrastructure for 900 students.

This will include the introduction of new hardware and software, Wi-Fi, and audio visual equipment.

Northgate will offer support from its service desk in Belfast and the firm has offered places on its in-house apprenticeship scheme for eligible students when they leave the academy.

They will have the opportunity to train with Northgate, and could be offered full-time employment.

Andy Ross, chief executive, Northgate Managed Services, said: "This type of training can make a real difference, particularly to those students who feel the academic route is not for them."