UNEMPLOYMENT levels on a Darlington estate have dropped by almost a half since the creation of a job-seeking scheme.

Firthmoor into Work was set up in May 2002 to provide help, advice and training to get residents on the estate back into employment.

More than 250 people from all walks of life have signed up to the project, run by the Morrisons Enterprise Trust, and 165 people have found new jobs.

Following its success, the trust has funding in place to launch a similar scheme in the Lascelles area of town in the New Year.

Firthmoor into Work is based at Maidendale House, the estate's community centre, and provides career guidance at all levels.

Caroline Evans and Andrew Ellis work on site helping people prepare CVs and application forms, search for jobs on the Internet, decide on a career that best suits their needs and put them in touch with other agencies.

The pair have helped people of all ages - some who have been out of work for years and others who have lost their job and want to find a new position immediately.

Mrs Evans even goes so far as to keep a check on jobs advertised in shop windows in order to recommend some of her clients.

The scheme also provides training for skills, such as fork lift truck driving, and offers a back-to-work grant of £50 when people first start a job.

Diane Woodcock, from the trust, said: "We offer a local, friendly service and are able to give people time and help build their confidence.

"We use loads of different websites to search for jobs and we now get employers coming to us hoping we know of somebody suitable for a position.

"Our aim is to match people with a job that suits them to ensure they stay in it for longer and we help give them skills to find permanent employment."

The scheme is funded by the single regeneration budget, with contributions from the Morrisons Enterprise Trust, and costs about £28,000 a year to run.

It hopes to secure some European funding in the New Year to provide more training and double the back-to-work grant to £100