LONE parents in east Durham are being offered a helping hand to retrain and secure jobs.

Mandy Ryder, a specialist adviser from Jobcentre Plus is to regularly visit Children's Centres in Easington, Wheatley Hill, Wingate, Shotton and Blackhall to offer advice and support for parents looking for work.

"Going back to work can be a big step for some people when they are trying to balance bringing up their families and juggling finances and childcare,'' said Mandy.

She added: "I like to tailor the help I give to suit each person, as everyone is different.

"I can work closely with lone parents to discuss their careers, identify what skills they may need and put them in touch with training providers to help them get the right job to fit in with their families.''

According to new research from Jobcentre Plus children have given the thumbs up to their parents who have decided to go back to work.

Findings have shown that of 500 primary school children questioned 46 per cent liked their mum or dad going to work and almost 31 per cent said that the fact that their parents were in employment made them proud.

Mandy is available to help people with a range of issues from sorting out childcare to securing jobs.

She will be at the Easington Centre on Monday between 9.30am and 12 noon and Wheatley Hill Centre on Tuesday between 9.30am and 10.30am.