A project has been launched to help disabled people find employment.

The Northern Rock Foundation awarded £51,000 to Finchale Training College, in Durham City, to set up an employment advocacy scheme.

Richard Harbottle, the foundation's chairman, visited the college yesterday to launch the scheme.

The grant will pay for an advocate, who will assist disabled trainees prepare for employment by identifying their skills, practising interview techniques and searching on the Internet for jobs.

The college will develop a follow-up service for students up to six months after the end of their training.

This will help them adjust to their new jobs, and will also assist those who are unsuccessful in finding work, before the end of their training.

The project will also advise employers about mental health issues in the workplace, and carry out research to help the college identify gaps in the job market.

Clive Pigford, employment development manager, said: "I look forward to the development of our new project and firmly believe that it will make a significant difference to many of our students, particularly those experiencing long-term unemployment."

The project is also backed by other groups including the Rotary Club of Durham, Durham County Unison, parish and town councils and the Barbour Trust.