YOUNG people in Middlesbrough are being given half-price bus travel in a ground-breaking scheme to help them access employment.

The scheme, which will give young people unlimited discount travel throughout Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Hartlepool and Redcar & Cleveland, can also be used for education, training and leisure.

Every young person in the borough aged 16, 17 and 18 is entitled to receive a special bus pass allowing them to travel half-fare on any Arriva and Stagecoach service in the area.

The pilot scheme that runs until August 31, 2010, has been implemented in partnership with Middlesbrough Council and the towns Connexions support service for young people.

The pioneering concession system has been subsidised thanks to a £60,000 grant from the Working Neighbourhoods Fund.

Councillor Mike Carr, Middlesbrough Councils executive member for children, families and learning, said: "This is a fantastic scheme which we believe goes further than anything else like it in the UK.

"Transport and mobility are among the key issues raised when we ask young people what would improve their quality of life, so how better to address that than by giving them cut price travel?

"These passes will give our young people access to the whole of the Arriva and Stagecoach across Middlesbrough and neighbouring authorities."

Young people eligible to take part in the scheme will be sent an application form, with the majority of passes being distributed in places of learning or via the Connexions One Stop Shop.

For further details on the scheme, which is due to start on Sunday, November 1, contact Connexions Middlesbrough on 01642-240081.