A UNIQUE training opportunity for disabled people has been hailed a success.

The training taster day, held at the Pioneering Care Centre in Newton Aycliffe, attracted 30 disabled people, mainly from the Aycliffe, Darlington and Durham areas.

The event, which was funded by the European Social Fund, was organised by the Darlington Association on Disability, the Pioneering Care Partnership and Disability North.

It was held because organisers say disabled people are routinely denied access to employment and services.

However the Disability Discrimination Act now makes it unlawful to discriminate against people on the grounds of disability, which means a huge amount of training with employers needs to be undertaken.

Lauren Robinson, manager of the Darlington Association on Disability, said: "We hope that this will open doors to many more training opportunities for people in the future."

Some of the people who attended the training taster day may go on to take an accredited course in Disability Equality Trainers Training.

This could lead to possible employment opportunities, or other training opportunities.