SARAH Sparshott's work placement went so well that she created a job for herself.

The 23-year-old former Bedale High School student from Thirn proved invaluable at York publishing company Stone Soup and became a full-time member of staff after taking part in the Matchmaker scheme, operated by a York consortium led by Askham Bryan College.

The project puts unemployed graduates working or living in North Yorkshire in touch with employers. It is funded by the European Social Fund and the Learning and Skills Council and aims to encourage graduates to stay in North Yorkshire.

Matchmaker offers a 20-week work placement where graduates can develop their business skills and gain experience in a commercial environment directly linked to their degree qualifications.

For Miss Sparshott, an English graduate, the placement with Stone Soup turned into a great career move.

"After five months, I had basically created my own position and I was very lucky to be taken on," she said, "The Matchmaker scheme is so well-thought-out and organised; it has been great."

Graduates on the scheme receive nominal pay, as well as advice and support throughout the placement.

Of the 50 students so far offered placements, 75pc are now in full-time jobs relating to their degrees. A further ten are on work placements.

The scheme aims to break the Catch 22 situation experienced by many new graduates - unable to get a job without experience and unable to gain experience without a job.

As well as unemployed graduates, Matchmaker aims to help under-employed graduates by offering help, support and guidance on improving their career prospects.

Miss Sparshott said she was really happy working as a publishing assistant at Stone Soup. "Working here has made me realise how great North Yorkshire is and my thoughts of moving to big city life in London have been put on hold," she said.

Before leaving Bedale High School to read English at King's College, Cambridge, she was very much involved in drama and music and continued to join in choral activities while a student. She now lives in York.