JOBSEEKERS in York are being offered work experience at a local park to help boost their chances of finding employment.

Community enterprise company Pulse has been commissioned to deliver the work and training, by staff who were once themselves jobless, as part of an initiative by City of York Council.

People who have been out of work for at least two years are being given the opportunity of taking part in active, work-based experience at Hull Road Park, to enhance and develop their life skills and boost their employability.

Councillor Sonja Crisp, cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: "I’m delighted that the community’s park is being used in this innovative way which supports jobseekers, and helps maintain the park and helps maintain the park in support of the Tang Hall Residents Association and their excellent voluntary work."

Lee Trappitt of Pinnacle People, which sponsors Pulse, said: "The work at the park may lead to direct employment in grounds work, but it is more likely to show prospective employers that candidates have been able to attend and work for 30 hours per week.”

Anyone who’d like to help out with maintaining or developing their local park or Hull Road Park can contact Iain Dunn on iain.dunn@york.gov.uk or via (01904) 551551.