STUDENTS who took a lengthy course of legal training to help community groups have been presented with their certificates.

The paralegal course, which involved groups throughout Sedgefield borough, is a pilot project which is now expected to be repeated across the country.

The course was run by the National Association of Paralegals, Stockton Riverside College, and Community and Voluntary Organisations Sedgefield (Cavos).

The 34-week course attracted 15 students, 12 of whom have now graduated.

They are now qualified to give legal guidance to community groups in areas such as company law, contract law and partnership arrangements.

Course co-ordinator Nick Haberfield said: "I think it's been immensely successful.

"A lot of it has given students confidence to do a lot of things around community regeneration."

Gloria Wills, chairman of Cavos, has just completed the course. She said: "It was there to educate community and voluntary groups on their constitutions, employment law and contracts.

"It's lasted for 34 weeks so it has needed a lot of commitment and hopefully we will soon be able to set another one off."