A NEW job club has opened in Bolton to help the unemployed get back into work.

St George the Martyr Church in Daubhill launched the club to give hope to those finding it difficult to secure employment on Sunday.

The club is part of the hugely successful Christian Against Poverty Job Clubs which operate up and down the country.

It will officially open its doors at the church in Roseberry Street on Thursday, August 23 and run every Thursday.

Manager Maureen Gowland said: "The job club is open to everyone and at the launch we had people from all faiths there.

"We are very excited about this new job club. Christians Against Poverty have 160 clubs in the country and has a high success rate for getting people back into work.

"There is a need for a job club in this area because unemployment is higher in this area than other parts of Bolton."

The club provides one-on-one support for those out of working, helping to build confidence and navigate the process of finding a job, including creating a CV and helping with interview preparation.

"We are there to provide encouragement and when people say they can't do it, to tell them they can," said Mrs Cowland.

Christians Against Poverty was established to help people get out of debt which can cripple lives.

Mrs Gowland said: "Being out of work can lead to people getting into debt and so the job clubs were set up."

At the launch, representatives from Christians Against Poverty gave an inspiring presentation and the Archdeacon of Bolton Jean Burgess also attended, along with leaders of other faiths.

The job club is in the process of setting up a phone line but people wishing to get in touch with the job club should email maureengowland@capjobclubs.org or attend oen of the sessions in person.