Christmas has come early for the unemployed in Hartlepool.

Jobs Build, a regeneration project geared to finding people work, is seeking 150 staff for two local companies in the service sector.

The Hartlepool Borough Council-run project assists local businesses by helping them recruit the right people for their vacancies by working with various agencies and partners across the town.

Birotex is one company recruiting via Jobs Build.

Their new bar, Time and Tide, opens in Avenue Road, Hartlepool on Thursday.

A range of leisure trade jobs opportunities have been created by the opening.

A hundred new recruits are also being sought by Hartlepool's Garlands Call Centres.

Jobs Build promotes opportunities for the people of Hartlepool in all occupations and they can also give advice and support to unemployed people, offer apprenticeship opportunities and in some cases bursaries and back to work grants can be awarded.

Caron Auckland, of Jobs Build, said: "We aim to offer a holistic service to people looking for work and companies who are recruiting. We can offer huge benefits to both sides and advice on any aspect of employment and training - and if we can't help we know people or organisations that can."

For further information, call (01429) 284087.