YOUNG people are being helped into an Army career thanks to a job creation partnership.

Easington Action Team for Jobs and the Army Careers Information Office, in Durham, have joined forces in a bid to help the area's young unemployed people.

For the past year the two groups have been helping applicants through the Army recruitment process by providing training and skills-building support.

Of the 15 people who have been referred to the team for guidance, seven have already successfully enlisted in the Army.

The latest recruit to benefit from the partnership is 17-year-old Sarah Spencer, from Blackhall, who has enlisted into the military police.

She said this week: "I had always been interested in joining the police force, but after visiting the Army careers office, I realised that I could follow a similar career in the military police only with added benefits like sporting and travel opportunities.''

Sarah has left Durham for Winchester, where she will spend her first 12 weeks completing the basic Army training course, before going on to do 21-weeks of specialised military police training.

Julie Keown, employment advisor for Easington Action Team said: "Sarah is just one of the many young people that together we have managed to support through the Army recruitment process.

"Between us we have assisted several young people, from one of the most disadvantaged areas in the country.''

Anyone interested in finding out more about a career in the Army is asked to contact 0191-384 7682 or 0800 3896532.