YOUNG people discovered what it is like to work in the NHS in a scheme designed to enhance the long-term health of the community.

About 200 pupils from six schools in east Durham attended the launch at the Glebe Centre, Murton.

They learned about the work of pharmacists, podiatrists, health promotion specialists, radiologists, speech therapists, as well as careers in nursing and medicine. The project was the result of a collaboration between Easington Primary Care Trust and the Aimhigher programme of the Easington and Seaham and Peterlee Education Action Zones.

The idea was to generate interest in a range of graduate career opportunities in the NHS and to provide students with guidance and support to reach their goals.

The launch will be followed up with a range of activities provided by universities, at New College Durham and East Durham and Houghall Community College.

Aimhigher co-ordinator Peter Phipps said: "This is a tremendous opportunity for the young people of east Durham. This is a project which will give them sustained support and will, in the long term, contribute to the regeneration of the whole community."

Easington Primary Care Trust resource manager Lynne Robson said: "We are delighted to be part of this inspiring initiative which we believe will help raise the aspirations of young people in east Durham. We hope to see many of the young people in future years in their careers."