A £60,000 project to help people in deprived areas of Darlington find work has been launched.

The Central Into Work scheme, aimed at jobless people in the Central, North Road, Northgate and Bank Top wards, will be a free service run by Darlington Borough Council.

The authority has secured funding for the initiative from JobCentre Plus and the European Social Fund.

An employment link worker has been employed to work on a one-to-one basis with people seeking jobs.

The officer will provide assistance with job searching, completing job application forms and curriculum vitae, and preparing for interviews.

There will also be an Into Work grant to provide financial assistance towards training fees, childcare and travel costs.

Those using the scheme will also be entitled to a one-off £100 Back to Work Bonus when they find a job.

People can get information about the project at Darlington Library, in Crown Street, on Tuesdays, from 2pm to 4pm, and Thursdays, from 10am to noon.

The employment link worker will also be at First Stop, in Tubwell Row, from 10am to noon every Wednesday.

Anyone wanting information on the scheme can contact Kay Mellanby on 07967 178026.