DEEP-rooted pockets of unemployment in Middlesbrough are to get extra help from a new service.

From tomorrow, the Jobs Squad will provide advice and support for people having difficulty finding work.

Its aim is to get 200 people into work over the two years of the project.

The scheme, run by Reed in Partnership, with financial support from the European Social Fund and JobCentre Plus, will provide a weekday service from 9am to 5.30pm.

Working from Sylvan House, Woodlands Road, the team will be able to assist with information about vacancies, tips on how to handle job interviews and sessions on writing a job application to make the most of any opportunities on offer.

It will focus on three key wards in Middlesbrough - Gresham, Linthorpe and University Wards (formerly Southfield and Westbourne Wards).

Chris Melvin, managing director of Reed in Partnership, said: "The scheme is entirely voluntary. People can come in and see the team with the aim of finding work.

"With unemployment in wards like Gresham running at over eight per cent, we believe our Middlesbrough Jobs Squad can help to make a real difference."