YOUNG people Wear Valley are being offered the chance to join in free life skills classes to help them find work or set up their own home.

Anyone aged 16 to 25 can sign up for the one day courses and go home with a piece of furniture they built themselves.

The courses, which run until October, started last year after council house management company Dale & Valley Homes received funding from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

Students begin by building a piece of flat pack furniture, under supervision from joiners from property services firm Gentoo.

They then go on to practise interview skills, learn about which jobs are available locally and are given help with opening bank accounts.

Course co-ordinator Rosie Cottrell said: "We have had a really positive response from the people who have done the course so far.

"A lot of those who have signed up have small children or are moving into their first home so it has been really helpful for them, and they have really appreciated the furniture."

Dave Piggett, Managing Director of Gentoo Construction said: "It’s great to see our staff helping young adults learn skills which will last them a lifetime."

The next course will be held at Dale & Valley House, South Church Enterprise Park on Thursday (June 25) and others will be held monthly until October.

They are open to Wear Valley residents and last from 11am to 3pm. A crèche will be provided. Contact Miss Cottrell on 01388-770972 or e-mail r.cottrell@daleandvalleyhomes.co.uk.