YOUTH unemployment has nearly halved in Hartlepool in two years, partly thanks to an innovative project which could be copied in other areas of the Tees Valley.

Unemployment among the under-24s in the town was running at 17 per cent in 2012 but latest figures put that figure at 8.7 per cent, or 715 young people.

Hartlepool Borough Council claim some of the credit for the fall should go to the Hartlepool Youth Investment Project, which itself has been running for two years.

The project brings together the council, Jobcentre Plus, schools, the voluntary sector, National Apprenticeship Service and other public bodies and, most crucially, employers in the town.

The idea was to improve the employability of the young people and to encourage employers to offer apprenticeships or employment. Entrepreneurial skills and advice has also been encouraged.

Long-term youth unemployment has reduced from 3.4 per cent or 275 young people, to 2.8 per cent, or 235 young people since the scheme began.

Middlesbrough Borough Council has already launched a similar scheme and more could follow.

Unemployment has fallen across the country which has probably also impacted on the Hartlepool figures and its thought some young people may have left to seek work elsewhere.

Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, described the HYIP as a “monumental, resounding success” and said: “It is one of our greatest achievements as a council and one that is particularly worthy of celebration.

“We have an obligation to meet the needs of all young people in Hartlepool and it is important to recognise that the one size fits all approach isn’t the best way of working."

Peter Bowes. managing director of local firm Bridgman IBC Ltd, who has been heavily involved in the HYIP, hailed its impact in his speech and then issued a fresh rallying cry, adding: “Thanks for listening, now let’s continue to make a difference."

An award ceremony was held to celebrate the achievements of both the scheme and individual young people.

The award for Apprentice of the Year went to Ashleigh Lynn, 18, a teaching assistant placed within Catcote Academy. Volunteer of the year was Rebekah Carter, 22, who has overcome personal issues to progress to university but still helps other young people. Employee of the Year was Shona Newton-Smith, 19, is employed as a catering assistant within the coffee shop at Catcote Academy. Learner of the Year was Mark Davison, 20, who has achieved awards from national bodies. Young Entrepreneur of the Year wasPaul Whitlock, 22, whose comic book publishing business, Monkeyhound, has been a success.