PEOPLE in Consett can improve their English and maths and get help finding a job at a centre on their doorstep.

The Consett South Enterprise Association has become a Learndirect link centre and a JobCentre Plus intermediary centre and is holding a week-long launch, that started yesterday, to highlight the opportunities available.

The association, based at The Bye, in The Grove, has hosted educational courses throughout its five-year history.

But now it is offering skills-for-life courses in numeracy, literacy and computing through Learndirect.

Administrator Lisa-Marie Almond said: "We are now a JobCentre Plus intermediary centre, which means we will be helping more people get back into work by helping them to do job searches, compile CVs and download and fill in application forms.

"We will also be offering jobseekers the chance to take part in courses to gain qualifications that they may need to find worthwhile employment.''

The launch event started off with a visit from Alex Watson, the Labour leader of Derwentside Council, and will close on Friday when North West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong visits.

People can find out more by visiting the association's centre between 10am and 4pm today, tomorrow and Thursday, and from 10am to 2pm on Friday.

Information on the new courses is also available by calling the association on (01207) 588550.