A North-East scheme to get former offenders back into work has been hailed a success after meeting its two year targets months ahead of schedule.

Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG) has been working in partnership with the Prison and Probation Services in institutions across the North-East since January last year.

Yesterday it emerged the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) ESF Reducing Re-Offending Programme, co-funded by the European Social Fund, has already met its two year targets.

Having been tasked with finding 253 jobs for ex-offenders by December this year it has already placed 355 into employment in sectors ranging from construction and off shore work to hairdressing and retail.

In addition 2489 people have registered with the scheme, ahead of a target of 2304 by December and 336 have been placed in further education against a target of 314.

The scheme works with North-East ex-offenders and those still inside prison to tackle the root causes behind re-offending by providing training and employment opportunities.

Getting ex-offenders back into work is regarded as a crucial part of breaking the cycle of repeat offending that is estimated to cost UK taxpayers about £11bn annually.

PPDG is working directly with seven North-East prisons, including Kirklevington and Holme House in the Tees Valley, Durham Prison and nearby Low Newton, Deerbolt, near Barnard Castle and Castington and Acklington in Northumberland.

It also works with probation services across the region.

Site manager at PPDG, Graham Glasgow said: "We are extremely proud. Our staff have worked hard and we are hoping to kick on and deliver further success across the contract.

"We have tried to treat people with respect and deal with the positives of someone rather than the negatives.

"A number of employers go through the CRB checks so we encourage clients to disclose.

"Sometimes it is work on building sites or production lines and employers are more interested in the skills and qualifications people bring as opposed to their offences.

"Not every offender is a murderer or armed robber, some are given orders because of a driving offence, it is about giving people a chance."

PPDG, which monitors its clients progress for six months after they secure work, has practiced what it preaches by itself directly taking on six former offenders in a variety of roles.

"We have understood that quite often people need a second chance.

"We are mindful of our clients offences and keep in mind where they are suited to work, but they are treated the same as any of our other clients," Mr Glasgow added.