A JOBSEEKERS' scheme is celebrating after helping more than 1,500 people into work in two years.

The Easington Action Team for Jobs was set up with Government backing two years ago to help people find jobs and remove barriers such as a lack of transport, benefit dependency, a lack of clothing and equipment, and childcare problems.

So far, it has provided a double pushchair to help one sister child mind while another sister went to work, and loaned a client a scooter on which to travel to work.

Kate Welch, project manager, said: "To achieve this success, we've had to work with our clients very closely and in many cases, it's been something quite simple like childcare and transport which has been preventing them from finding a job.

"Once we've identified the problem, we can use our unique resources to provide a solution."

Robert Steven Anderson, of Seaham, was the 1,500th person to be helped by the team.

He said: "Being a single parent meant that I was not able to work for a number of years.

"I had very little confidence in myself and didn't think I would be able to get work, until I heard of the action team.

"They offered support on a ten-week training course designed to help people get work in the retail sector.

"I am now working at a major high street store and my life has totally changed for the better."

The team plans to mark its success and the achievements of its clients at an awards ceremony later this year. It can be contacted by calling 0800 389 6532.