DISABLED people are being given the chance to get back to work and off benefits under a new initiative.

More than 200 people have so far taken advantage of the scheme in the districts of Hambleton and Richmondshire, through finding employment or landing places on training courses.

Now, the RecruitAble project is to run its own training courses for the first time, with the first one covering beauty therapy.

The scheme was launched last year to offer help for disabled adults and people with long-term health problems who want to get back to work.

The initiative, which is entirely voluntary, has so far seen people given places on training courses at colleges.

But next week, a five-day course run in conjunction with Thirsk-based North Yorkshire Training and Recruitment Advisers offers free training in massage, aromatherapy, information technology and business planning.

RecruitAble personal advisor Andy Watson said: "We have helped people with their CVs, but this is the first time we have done more than an individual consultation.

"There has been quite a good response so far, and if we can bring something different to what is already provided elsewhere then we will offer more of these courses."

People on a disability benefit are eligible for the scheme, although there is no compulsion to take part.

Mr Watson said: "We're trying to get people off incapacity benefits and back into work, and a lot of that involves training because people have been out of work for some years.

"For a few people work is still going to be a long-term goal, but some people may have had to leave work with a physical problem and we look at how they could use their skills differently or be retrained.

"We have also worked with people who have mental health problems and have been out of work for a long time and often their confidence and self-esteem has gone. Sometimes it is small steps rather than diving straight into work."

Nicola Buscell, North Yorkshire Training and Recruitment Advisers' principal, said: "This training is a wonderful opportunity for us to open up the world of health and beauty therapy to people with disabilities.