A PROJECT to help people living in Darlington back into work has started to pay dividends with the first of its jobseekers securing employment.

The Central Into Work project is aimed at unemployed residents in the Bank Top, Central, Northgate and North wards of the town.

A free service, it is run by Darlington Borough Council and funded by Jobcentre Plus and the European Social Fund.

An employment link worker works on a one-to-one basis helping people search for jobs, complete application forms, CVs, interview preparation, identifying skills and offering support once a job has been secured.

People using the scheme are entitled to a £100 back to work bonus once they find a job.

Of the 15 who have so far signed-up, five have already gained employment.

The project operates from a number of outreach locations within the wards, including Darlington Central Library, First Stop in Tubwell Row and SureStart, in McNay Street.

Anyone who wants to find out more about the project is asked to contact the employment link worker on 07967 178026.