SOARING numbers of unemployed people could be thrown a lifeline by a church.

The Salvation Army is considering extending its Employment Plus UK scheme to Leek to save jobseekers a 20-mile round trip to Hanley.

The service helps the long-term unemployed and vulnerable adults back into employment and provides them with support. Facilities could include lists of vacancies, CV and letter-writing sessions and training opportunities.

The move would plug the gap left by the Government's controversial axing of Jobcentres in Leek and Cheadle.

The number of people claiming unemployment benefit across the Moorlands rose from 712 to 1,447 in the year to April as a result of redundancies at JCB, Fole Dairy and the Hartington cheese factory.

Captain Steve Smith of Leek Salvation Army said: "It is early days yet, but we are going to see if we can put it into use here.

"It is not just about finding people another job, it is also about support. Many people who are now unemployed have never been in this situation before.

"People in Leek who need to access services have to go to Hanley and if you have not got a job, you want to stretch your money as far as you can."

A public meeting will be held in Leek next month to assess the idea. Captain Smith added: "Anyone who is interested can go along to the meeting and anyone who can offer funding will be welcome."

Since it was launched two years ago, Employment Plus UK has helped hundreds of people find paid and voluntary work placements or job skills training.

The meeting will be held at the Salvation Army base at Salisbury Street, Leek, on Tuesday, July 7 at 7.30pm.