THREE lads from Whitefield will be heading into the New Year with brighter job prospects thanks to an EU-funded scheme run by Bury Council.

Mike Davies, Philip Higgs and Dale Healey are among six young men, all previously unemployed, taking part in a six-month course to learn construction and building maintenance.

The course, titled "Hands On - Skill for Work", enables them to get paid work experience while gaining an NVQ qualification. They attend college one day per month and are assessed at the council's Bradley Fold depot in Radcliffe.

Steve Wood, team leader for the project, said: "It will increase their chances of moving into full-time employment when they finish and their commitment has been superb."

Coun Mike Connolly, executive member for environment and transport, added: "As well as helping young people develop their skills and boost their chances of employment, it is another way of attempting to address the skills shortage in the construction industry."