YOUNG unemployed people are being given ground-breaking opportunities as part of a new environment task force.

Durham County Council and Groundwork have recruited three teams of five young people to undertake a range of environmental projects as part of the DurhamWorks programme.

The teams are receiving training from Groundwork and the council’s Clean and Green team, and have been based at Peterlee, Bishop Auckland and Annfield Plain since July 18 .

The will undertake project work across the county as part of an environmental task force.

Four supervisors have also been employed to manage the teams as they set about keeping County Durham clean and green.

Councillor Brian Stephens, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “It’s a pleasure to be able to bring these dedicated young people into the workplace, where we know they’ll be a real asset to Groundwork and our Clean and Green team.

“Furthermore, they’ll get satisfaction from making improvements to their home county, so local residents will also benefit from this ground-breaking scheme.”

DurhamWorks is a partnership programme between Durham County Council and 15 other organisations, for young people aged 16 to 24 who are not in education, employment or training.Visit durhamworks.info