THREE troubled teenagers have taken their first step along the path of finding a job.

They have secured a Work Place Hazard Awareness Award after successfully completing a British Safety Council scheme.

The teenagers, who are the first to be accredited with the award at the Eston Pupil Referral Unit, which caters for young people who have been excluded from mainstream schools, received their certificates from Redcar MP Vera Baird.

She said: "You have all done really well, business people will recognise this certificate and it can certainly help you to find employment. It is really good that you are a credit to the school and you should be proud of that."

Lee Petite, 16, who was the only one willing to be photographed with Ms Baird, said he was pleased with his achievement.

Acting headteacher Mike Vening said: "It really sets them up for the future when you are ready to go into the jobs market."