A COLLEGE is hoping to offer a Christmas lifeline to unemployed people in a bid to improve their chances of finding work.

Northallerton College is to provide free computer training as part of a Government funded scheme called IT's for You.

Staff at the college say the initiative could prove a valuable asset to jobseekers, giving them a chance to learn the basics about the latest technology, and even gain new qualifications.

The scheme is said to guarantee 30 hours of friendly and flexible tuition on computers, as well as free careers advice from experts.

Lifelong learning manager at Northallerton College, Andy West, said the sessions would cover a variety of crucial skills.

"The computer course could earn someone a qualification, or merely expand their knowledge and experience and enhance their skills development.

"A typical course would involve learning about the Internet, word processing, spread sheets and file management, the sort of things you might need in a small business," he said.

Mr West said the course classes would be small, made up of no more than eight people, and could be tailored to suit individual needs.

The offer is aimed at unemployed people receiving the jobseekers' allowance; disabled people claiming incapacity benefit; single parents on income support; and adult dependants of all benefits claimants.

Mr West said that anyone in these categories with literacy problems could attend twice-weekly drop-in sessions at the college.

These take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 7pm to 9pm.

For further information on any of these schemes, contact Mr West on (01609) 773340, extension 256