AN innovative scheme helping disabled people in the Darlington area get back into work could be extended after proving a big success.

The Morrison Trust Job Brokering Service, based at the Morton Park Business Training Centre, is supporting 175 people in their efforts to find employment.

Bosses announced yesterday that they would be applying for the New Deal for Disabled scheme to continue for at least another two years.

It is a collaboration between WM Morrison Enterprise Trust, JobCentre Plus, Darlington Borough Council and the Darlington Partnership, giving vital advice and support for people in receipt of health-related benefits.

Sixty people have already been given the assistance they needed to find work since the project began just over two years ago.

Denis Coogans, one of the job brokers, said: "It is not compulsory, it is a voluntary programme so the person makes the decision to come themselves, which is a good selling point to employers because it shows they are willing. We like to think we have a good, relaxed atmosphere and we will try to find jobs that people want to do and not just offer them anything.

"They know what will suit their circumstances and can look about to see what they want to do."

The service offers benefits advice, guidance on disability issues and access to training, as well as helping clients to hunt for a new job.

Despite taking a year to get off the ground, the scheme is now a well-established programme aiding disabled people.

Mr Coogans said 70 per cent of all clients who found jobs through the scheme had stayed in them.

"We have just made a bid to JobCentre Plus to get a two-year extension - there are certain criteria but we more than meet them, so we are pretty hopeful," he added.

Clients have come mainly from the Darlington area, but people have travelled from Middlesbrough and other parts of the North-East to make use of the service.

Any company interested in the work of the scheme is asked to telephone (01325) 387700.