AN organisation that helps young people find jobs has been praised for cutting the number of unemployed teenagers.

Connexions Tees Valley said it had exceeded Government targets to ensure more young people are now in work or learning.

From a starting point of 14.1 per cent in November 2002, Connexions said there were now only 10.9 per cent of 16 to 18-year-olds in the Tees Valley not in education, employment or training. This figure beat the Government target of 12.6 per cent.

Dave Irwin, the acting chief executive of Connexions Tees Valley, said: "We are delighted that more young people in our area are choosing positive options.

"The staff and our many partners across the area have all made a fantastic contribution.

"There is so much potential among our young people, and Connexions Tees Valley will continue to raise aspirations and develop talent."

The organisation delivers a wide range of support programmes to young people, their parents and communities, designed to remove barriers to progression and raise aspirations.

The figures were welcomed by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) for the Tees Valley, which funds learning for over-16s.

In Teesside, 82.2 per cent of school leavers are now taking further education courses at college, work-based learning placements or employment with training such as apprenticeships.

This is a 4.3 per cent increase to the total number of year 11 students staying on in education.

Pam Eccles, executive director of LSC Tees Valley, said: "We work with Connexions to make a real difference to young people's access to learning and make sure they do not disappear from the statistics, but make a successful transition into learning."