An unemployed Bradford man is building a new career as a gas engineer thanks to a pioneering scheme.

Kevin Hodgson, of Langdale Road, Ravenscliffe, took part in the Ambition: Energy programme which provided training and a guaranteed job for 15 out of work people.

He has now landed a job with McAlpines, the main contractor working with gas supply company Transco on basic service laying, maintenance and pipeline renewal projects.

Martin Armour, of Priestley Gardens, Heckmondwike, also took part in the scheme, which was a collaborative project involving JobCentre Plus, the Gas and Water Industries National Training Organisation and the gas industry.

Nigel Hill, Transco engineering operations manager, said: "Offering unemployed people new ways to study, train and gain new experience is a top priority. But this programme is also boosting the skills base of the British workforce and addressing skills shortages in the gas industry."