GAS pipeline operator Transco is doing its bit to help the unemployed on the doorstep of one of its North-East sites get back on the road to work.

The firm has joined forces with Into Work (Sunderland) Ltd to provide jobs and training opportunities for the long-term unemployed.

The ground-breaking project, made possible by a £40,000 donation from Transco, has been launched by Sunderland South MP Chris Mullin.

The funds from the firm will cover the cost of three month work placements for the eight New Deal participants.

It will also be used to allow for three month extensions to the existing New Deal contracts being run by Into Work.

Launching the project, Transco asset general manager, Ruth Thompson said: "Into Work has made a real impact in creating employment opportunities in Sunderland and I'm delighted Transco is now offering its support."

The first four successful candidates are Gavin Gash, 25, Richard Greenwell, 26, David Little, 22, and Steven Hinshaw, 20, all from Hendon.

They have all been appointed to the scheme, and a further four successful candidates will be recruited by October.

Into Work was set up to help people in a Sunderland jobs blackspot get guaranteed paid work for up to a year.

The company's aims are to tackle unemployment and help people aged over 18 in Pennywell and Hendon who have been on the dole for at least six weeks.

It has places lasting between six and 12 months on its employment projects, which include environmental improvements, child care, call centre and administration work.

The posts offer a minimum 37-hour working week, £133.20 weekly pay packet, plus any other benefits people are entitled to, including free travel to work, uniforms and free child care.

The company is based at Pennywell Community Business, and Liz McEvoy, general manager of Into Work, was hoping that Transco would pave the way for other private firms to follow.

She said: "It's good that we have linked up with a private firm, and one that is well known throughout the region.

"The good thing about the scheme is that the candidates will be getting hands-on training in the utilities sector, which will increase their employment opportunities.

"Hopefully Transco will lead the way for other firms to follow." All eight of the workers will receive induction and safety training before they start work at Transco's Hendon depot.