AN action team has been set up to help the over-50s and lone parents in Redcar and Cleveland to gain work and training.

Action Team for Jobs will be run by a private sector provider, Reed in Partnership, to provide support and help find employment and training for people who request it and those claiming benefits other than Jobseeker's Allowance.

The help will be focused on the Eston, Grangetown, South Bank, Newcomen, Kirkleat-ham and Coatham wards and begins on Wednesday, January 2 with a series of drop-in sessions organised with local community groups.