JOB-SEEKERS are being urged to visit a state-of-the-art bus.

The bus is equipped with laptop computers and staff will provide expert practical help on a range of issues, from support in finding a job to training or financial help.

That could be anything from providing money for tools, to funding for training courses.

Department for Work and Pensions Information Officer, Nigel Carleton said: "Anyone who is not working is welcome to go along to the bus and meet an advisor in order to find out just how much the team can help in their search for employment.

"Alternatively, they can call into the local Jobcentre Plus offices in Blackburn and Darwen."

The bus will be in Darwen bus station on Monday afternoons between 1.30pm and 4pm. For further details call 343502.

The bus is linked into the government scheme, Action for Jobs, which was expanded last month. The scheme covers areas where unemployment is particularly bad and there are 53 around the country.

Ian McCartney, Minister for State for the Department for Work and Pensions said: "People who haven't worked for a long time can lose their self-confidence and this is a way of working on the ground with them."

Teams work in the community with organisations such as residents' associations. The Blackburn and Darwen team helps people from 11 wards in the area, including Sudell area.

Mr McCartney added: "The action teams are very helpful in gaining the trust of people who haven't worked for a long time and are so far working quite well."

Mr Carleton added:" Although the team can help any jobless client from the area there is a limited budget and so those clients with major barriers to gaining and retaining employment receive the most help.

"The clients eligible for most assistance are ex-offenders, people with health problems or disabilities, ex-forces who have left within the last two years, people from ethnic minority backgrounds and people who have been unemployed for over 12 months."

Other wards covered by the Action for Jobs scheme are Audley, Bastwell, Little Harwood with Whitebirk, Shear Brow, Wensley Fold, Mill Hill, Meadowhead, Higher Croft, Queen's Park and Shadsworth.

The bus also goes to; Romney Walk tenants' association on Monday afternoon; Meadow Head residential area on Tuesday morning and Whitebirk Centre 2000 in the afternoon; Audley Leisure Centre all day Wednesday; Accrington Road Community Centre all day Thursday and Ballantrae Road Community Shopping Centre on Friday morning and visits mosques in the area on Friday afternoon.

Mr Carleton said in the other areas the action team was able to use community centre facilities so the bus was not necessary.

The Action For Jobs initiative is part of the government's Job Centre Plus service which was launched in Blackburn and Darwen last month.

The service aims to give advice on work, training and benefits all under one roof.

A personal advisor is on hand for each customer and builds up a close relationship with them.

This means they can help them with all their queries including job prospects, training needs or childcare issues. The new personalized service is delivered in an open plan environment.