A NEW service aimed at bringing job opportunities into rural areas has been launched in North Yorkshire.

Developed by North Yorkshire County Council's employment training services, the programme will give unemployed clients in rural areas the opportunity to access specialist job search help and advice without having to travel to a job centre.

Through the county council's library and information centres, clients will be allowed free internet access and the chance to view job vacancies. A team of co-ordinators will widen access to job vacancies for the unemployed living in an outreach area, offering guidance, information and support. The North Yorkshire Outreach Project is funded by the European Social Fund and delivered on behalf of Job Centre Plus.

It will operate in libraries including those at Malton, Pickering, Kirkbymoorside, Tadcaster, Easingwold, Sherburn-in-Elmet, Selby, Northallerton, Thirsk and Ripon.

To register for this free service, either go to one of the libraries listed, or phone Ian Peckitt, project manager, on 01653 698925.

Coun John Dennis, the county council's executive member with responsibility for employment training, said: "North Yorkshire Outreach will bring jobsearch activity to the rural communities of North Yorkshire, therefore ensuring that everyone receives the same opportunities regardless of where they live.

"This project will also encourage the residents of these areas to access the excellent range of services on offer to them through the library and information services."

Updated: 09:28 Thursday, April 24, 2003