A STOCKTON man has a career in the pipeline thanks to a Government job creation programme.

Alex Rutherford, 29, was one of 11 unemployed men from across the North-East to begin work as a gas network operative for Transco.

He was supported by training group Ambition: Energy, Broker North-East and the Jobcentre Plus New Deal.

Mr Rutherford, who had suffered ill health that prevented him working, said: "The training was straightforward and to the point with no pressure, and that was a good start for being out there and doing it for real.

"You never stop learning in this kind of job, and next week, when I'm working on call outs, I know I'll be picking up new skills."

For more information on the New Deal, call 0845 606 2626.