A SERVICE designed to give unemployed people in rural areas the opportunity to apply for jobs has been launched.

The programme will offer job-seekers the chance to get advice and support from their local library instead of having to travel to a JobCentre.

A team of co-ordinators, working on behalf of the JobCentre, will widen access to job vacancies for the unemployed living in remote areas, offering guidance, information and support.

The Outreach Project has been developed by North Yorkshire County Council's employment training services and is being administered through its library and information centres.

Registered clients will be able to meet a co-ordinator and receive specialist job-search help with looking for jobs.

They will also be allowed free Internet access and the chance to view job vacancies.

A JobCentre spokesman said: "Some people living in rural areas find it difficult and costly getting into their main town and so we are seeking to provide a good service to these people through their local libraries.

"We want to ensure that people living in remote areas are not disadvantaged and have access to the same facilities as people living near towns with a job centre."

The scheme is financed by the European Social Fund and will operate in libraries at Richmond, Catterick Garrison, Northallerton, Hawes, Masham, Bedale, Great Ayton, Thirsk, Ripon, Whitby, Malton, Kirkbymoorside and Easingwold.

Barbara Poole, group librarian for the Ryedale area, said the launch of the project was a positive move.

She said: "Until now, people living in Kirbymoorside and Easingwold have had to travel a fair distance to get to their local JobCentre.

"This way they can access all kinds of information on their doorstep."

To register, either visit your local library or contact Ian Peckitt, project manager, on (01653) 698925.