Kevin Howard has taken a leaf out of Rolf Harris's book and found work playing one of the world's more unusual instruments.

Kevin, from Saltburn, is a self-employed, one-armed didgeridoo player. He is also the 1,000th person to be helped into work by Broker North East, an organisation that helps people to find work after long-term illness.

Kevin trained as a photographer but couldn't find work. He is now enjoying his new job.

He said: "Being unemployed for so long made me feel like I had no prospects in life. But now I'm living my dream. Being self-employed has given me belief in myself."

The Department for Work and Pensions this week launched its Five Year Strategy, focusing on getting people back into work. It aims to increase employment rates from 75 to 80 per cent.