A training project to get people back to work in Teesdale has proved successful, with 11 of the 22 people who enrolled finding jobs.

Another seven have decided to go on for further training to gain extra qualifications after being boosted by the scheme run by the Teesdale Enterprise Agency in Barnard Castle.

Shaun Stuart, chief executive of the agency, said yesterday that he is delighted with the success rate of the project, called Get Yourself a Job, which is open to people of all ages.

One of the first to enrol was Lorraine Vine, who had spent five years concentrating on bringing up her family before deciding to return to full- time employment.

After three weeks of the six-weeks course she got a job as personal assistant to Lady Juliet Gray, of Eggleston Hall.

Mrs Vine said: "I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of people on the course. It was really interesting and useful."

The next course will start on Monday, September 8. Anyone wishing to join can telephone the agency on 08833 631851 for details. It is free and runs four mornings a week for six weeks.

Mr Stuart said: "We will be pleased to hear from anyone who needs help in getting work and will do all we can to find them a job quickly."

The agency is also doing well with a management training course, which has 19 students, all of whom are employed by local firms and who are hoping to improve their chances of promotion.

That course is also free and runs for one afternoon a week for 30 weeks. People wishing to join it can contact the agency at the above number and will be fitted into the scheme fairly soon.