A group of activists who have recreated the famous 1936 Jarrow March for Jobs will complete their 330-mile journey today by highlighting the growing ''crisis'' of youth unemployment.

Dozens of people have taken part in the trek from the North-East to London, where a rally will be held today, addressed by politicians and union leaders.

Youth Fight for Jobs, which organised the march, will hand in a petition to 10 Downing Street calling for a huge Government job scheme, apprenticeships, the reinstatement of Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA), the reopening of axed youth services and action on tuition fees.

Spokeswoman Claire Laker Mansfield said: ''Young people have shown that far from being lazy or scroungers, they want a future with decent jobs and education. The marchers have received huge support up and down the country. People have fed them, put them up and made it clear they back our demands.

''We think it is unfair that in the 21st century, young people are facing long-term unemployment. There are almost a million young people out of work, and the jobs market is not getting any better.''

Great-grandchildren of those who took part in the original march 75 years ago were among those taking part in the protest march, which started on October 1.

In 1936, 200 jobless men marched from Jarrow to London with a 12,000-name petition calling for government action to create jobs.