Nearly 100 employers from Keighley and Craven learned how they could become involved in the government's New Deal to tackle long-term unemployment, when they attended an event at the Three Sisters hotel in Haworth.

Paul Armstrong, employment service district manager for Bradford, said: "The event was very successful in raising awareness of New Deal among local employers, and we have already had requests for more information from more than 50 of them."

Keighley MP Anne Cryer spoke at the event alongside Mr Armstrong. New Deal will start in the Keighley area next month.

It aims to help people aged between 18 and 24 who have been unemployed for six months or more and who are receiving Jobseekers Allowance. By providing training opportunities, it will improve their long-term employment prospects.

Local companies are being encouraged to become involved by offering jobs with training to unemployed young people.

A subsidy of up to £60 a week for six months is available to employers, and they will also be entitled to up to £750 to cover the cost of training.

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