AN innovative scheme for the long-term unemployed has been launched in the North-East.

The pilot scheme aims to provide work for jobless people on Tyneside, recycling and refurbishing used household appliances.

Managers at the organisation behind the scheme, Renew, have received £50,000 from Northumbrian Water Environmental Trust, £80,000 from development agency One NorthEast and £200,000 from the European Union to develop the scheme.

The idea was developed by electrical goods retailer Comet and Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council.

Renew hopes to employ at least 20 people a year and is encouraging unemployed people over 50 to apply.

Renew general manager Bob Petrie said: "As well as getting people back into work, we're also offering the chance to learn a new trade, gain National Vocational Qualifications and boost future prospects.

"If you're over 50 and unemployed, trying to get a job can seem like an impossible task. Recruiters take one look at your age and immediately assume you're ready for the scrap head. That's just not fair. Older people are our priority but we will also employ people from other age groups. "

Renew have recruited 13 people so far. Anyone interested in joining can at the Renew offices at 1-7 Baltic Road, Felling, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear.