THE region's first one-stop shop for jobs and learning has opened.

The Learning and Job Shop was opened in Durham City's Market Place on Friday with the help of the holder of one of Durham's most ancient legal posts and someone who has just taken on a job as a modern day legal worker.

The centre is a partnership between agencies that help people find jobs and those that help them find training.

Durham City Jobcentre Plus will supply people with expertise in finding jobs, New College Durham will supply staff and computers so people can find training, and Connexions will give jobs and careers advice to young people.

There will be on-line access at the centre to more than 300,000 jobs.

At its opening was Leslie Blackie, the City Recorder, and Jennifer Burbridge, from Durham, who has secured a job as a paralegal secretary with the help of the jobcentre.

Ms Blackie's post of City Recorder was established in 1603, and requires someone who is "honest and discreet and skilled with the laws of England".

Ms Burbridge, 24, is working in Newcastle after being given a grant by Jobcentre Plus for travel costs to until she gets her first pay packet.

Karen Houghton, senior adviser at the centre, said: "This is the first development we are aware in the North-East bringing together training for adults and young people and with the Jobcentre side to manage the whole process for future learning and employment.

"Rather than being dispersed across Durham, we're all here and can share ideas."