CONNEXIONS, the Government's new careers advice and guidance service across York and North Yorkshire, has proved to be one of the most successful in the country.

The organisation, based at Marlborough House, Westminster Place, at York Business Park, reported today that it had reduced the number of young people not in education, training or employment by more than 23 per cent in the region.

This represents the first time in a decade that the figures have actually decreased and puts the region in the top 12 nationally.

Barry Hitchen, chief executive of Connexions York and North Yorkshire, praised the contribution of staff and partners in producing "these truly outstanding results" by advising and guiding 13 to 19-year-olds and encouraging them to stay in education or training.

Also involved under the co-ordinating direction of Connexions were the youth services of the City of York Council and Yorkshire County Council, careers guidance services, youth offending teams, drug action teams and services to assist young homeless people.

Updated: 10:51 Thursday, February 10, 2005