YOUNG people are on the verge of building a brighter future thanks to a new project.

A minimum of 20 jobs will be created through the Fit for Employment project with students from Stockton gaining hands-on experience of the construction industry.

The project is being delivered in partnership with Stockton Borough Council, Connexions Tees Valley's - learn2work, the Learning and Skills Council Tees Valley and the Esh Group.

It is being funded with £40,000 from Stockton Borough Council's neighbourhood renewal fund over two years, and a contribution of £35,000 from the Learning and Skills Council Tees Valley.

The project will see year 11 students gaining some experience and knowledge of the construction industry. Several local companies have already committed to employing successful candidates.

Schools taking part in the project include: Thornaby Community School, Norton School, Abbey Hill School, Billingham Campus, Grangefield School, Bishopton Centre and Bishopsgarth School.

Companies supporting the project include George Wimpey, WA Brown, Tristar Homes and Twin Services Ltd.