SUNDERLAND AFC’s charity is launching a course in Chester-le-Street to help the jobless find work.

The Foundation of Light employability course, part of its Back in the Game programme, will offer qualifications and work placements.

It aims to raise raising participants’ skills and confidence and help them achieve their goals through a blend of nationally-recognised qualifications, work experience and practical skills.

In 2014, the programme helped more than 30 per cent of participants find work.

It will take place at the Cestria Centre of Light on the town’s Gibside estate for ten weeks starting on Wednesday, May 6.

It will run three days per week (15 hours) until Friday, July 10.

Travel expenses will be reimbursed and graduates will receiving Sunderland AFC match tickets and a tour of the Stadium of Light.

Mark Pae, the Foundation’s North Durham Operations Manager, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for unemployed people in the Chester-le-Street area who want to get into work and get more out of life.

"The Back in the Game programme offers participants a very real chance of getting into work through job specific training and qualifications that will help them gain employment."

For more information and to book a place, e-mail Aimie Coburn at aimie.coburn@foundationoflight.co.uk or call 0191 3894077.