A STORE chain's plan to get unemployed Durham people into work is getting under way with an interview technique training programme.

Retail chain Tesco has signed up 340 jobless locals, as potential employees, for the multi-million pound supermarket it is building at Dragonville.

Successful applicants will get training for jobs and any basic skills training.

But first, they are being given interview training at New College Durham, The Pelaw View Centre, by training provider John Hugh Pittman, to boost their chances of being picked for the programme, which carries the guarantee of work if they achieve set standards.

Tesco spokeswoman Fiona Guy said: "We'll be holding first impressions interviews, from March 19. Once they get through that they get the guarantee of a job and start their specific job-related training.

"They are very enthusiastic and excited, and we are giving them every help we can. Some of them have not had a proper job interview before.

"A lot of them are lacking in confidence, and we are teaching them things like maintaining eye contact, and putting themselves across in the right way.

"Even if they don't pass the first stage, they will get a second chance, if they can improve.''

Tesco has formed the Dragonville Partnership with organisations and local councils to regenerate the area, which has an unemployment three times higher than the rest of the city.

The potential recruits were taken on after three seminars, held on the Sherburn Road Estate, last week.