A TEAM working to cut high unemployment rates has helped more than 150 people since it was set up six months ago.

Easington Action Team for Jobs started work in October last year and is one of eight teams working around the North-East to help remove the barriers that prevent people from getting back to work.

Easington MP John Cummings visited the team to congratulate them on their work and meet some of the people they have helped.

With a budget of £1.5m, staff consider almost anything to help people find a job.

This could include finding childcare, setting up a bank account and providing suitable clothing for an interview.

Philip Davison, 34, of Easington, had been out of work for 12 months, having previously managed the baggage handling department at Newcastle Airport.

He wanted to build on his management experience and got a job as logistics and warehouse manager with South Hetton company Continental Chef Supplies.

Christopher Saxon, 37, of Wingate, needed a fork-lift truck operator's certificate to help him secure a job with a window manufacturing company.

The team helped him find a training course and arranged for it to take place on the premises of his new employer.