CABINET Minister Hilary Armstrong has opened a jobseeker service designed to help hundreds of people back into work.

The MP for North-West Durham opened the Jobcentre Plus office in Consett, one of the most notorious unemployment blackspots in the 1980s.

The refurbished offices in Medomsley Road brings together under one roof all the support and advice available to people looking for work.

Alison Hilton, Durham's deputy district manager for Jobcentre Plus, said that the service had helped more than 9,000 people find work in the district in the previous year.

She said: "We offer jobseekers an holistic service and in order to continue to do that, it is crucial we continue to work with employers to understand their needs and make sure that people with the right skills are available to fill their vacancies."

Pat Bland, of CVA Aerospace, one of Consett's major employers, said: "We have always had excellent support from the team here in Consett, but this new environment is amazing and will make it much easier for people walking through the door to get the help they need."

Centre manager Eunice Bullerwell said she was impressed with the new surroundings, but added: "It goes beyond the fabric of the building. It's about ensuring that people of working age get support from a personal advisor to access jobs and job search support, as well as making sure they are getting all of the benefits they are entitled to, in pleasant, modern surroundings."