SCHEMES to improve employment opportunities for jobless residents in deprived areas of Sedgefield borough have been backed by £1.2m of European money.

The West Ward of Newton Aycliffe, the Sunnydale and Thickley Wards of Shildon and the coalfield communities of Cornforth, Ferryhill Station and the Trimdons are to benefit from the regeneration cash.

Residents have helped to carry out an appraisal to identify issues to help local people back into work.

Areas highlighted include skills training and the use of IT, childcare and transport.

The National Railway Museum at Shildon and the NetPark development in Sedgefield were identified as ideal projects, which could link to the training and employment issues.

Community projects such as the Shildon Community Arcade and the development of the existing South West Durham Credit Union Study Group, could also be used in this way. Other issues identified environmental improvement and training, school and youth advice and guidance and job clubs.

Sedgefield Council is compiling the final project ideas to go to community representatives for their final approval in May.

Coun Bill Waters, Sedgefield's lead member for regeneration, said: "The interest and commitment of residents has been first rate and their comments and enthusiasm have been informative and constructive.