A TEAM set up to tackle unemployment rates has helped more than 150 people since it was set up six months ago.

Easington Action Team for Jobs opened for business in October, last year.

It is one of eight teams set up by the Employment Service in areas of high unemployment around the North-East to help remove the barriers that prevent people from getting back to work.

With a budget of £1.5m, the team considers almost anything to help people find a job.

This could include, finding childcare, setting up a bank account and even providing suitable clothing for an interview.

Easington MP John Cummings visited the team yesterday, to congratulate them on their work and meet some of the people they have helped.

Gavin Pratt, 22, of Horden, asked the team for help after being out of work for three months. He was offered a trial at a local tyre and exhaust centre and secured a job.

Sarah Brewster, 55, from Easington, found work at Nastech, Peterlee, after 17 years out of the workplace. She wanted to work after her family had grown up. Action Team helped her apply for the job, as well as help with travel costs.