A woman is getting into the swim of a new business with a job agency's help.

Jo Gibson, of Chester-le-Street, recently found herself unemployed after 17 years as a swimming instructor.

Deciding to stay in the profession, she sought the help of the Chester-le-Street Action Team, part of the Jobcentre Plus network, to start her own swimming classes.

She said: "I am so pleased with the way things are going that I am expanding the business, and am now able to offer resuscitation classes, water safety classes and lifesaving classes."

For more details on the action team, ring 0191-389 0555.