A WHEEL of fortune, designed to help the jobless take control of their own future, visited Durham City yesterday.

The wheel was designed by the Learning and Skills Council following a survey which suggests 30 per cent of people in the North-East believe landing a job is mostly down to luck.

Council staff from the nextstep service - an pilot initiative to help people back into the jobs market - were in the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre yesterday to offer advice to adults on returning to learning and improving their job prospects.

Shoppers were encouraged to spin the wheel for themselves and find out what the future could have in store.

Adult learners may be entitled to free tuition, a grant worth £30 a week and help with travel and childcare.

However, as Chris Roberts, regional director for the Learning and Skills Council explained, the gimmick has a serious side.

He said: "The North-East region suffers from a skills shortage that is hampering our economic ambitions.

"We are lucky enough, however, to be one of only two regions in the country taking part in a skills trial which aims to tackle the problem.

"The nextstep service is the first point of contact for people who want to turn their lives around and get back into learning.

"The advisors give information and advice that points people in the right direction and helps them make the right choices. It can make a real difference to people's lives."