YOUNG people looking for work will be given a leg up — thanks to a groundbreaking new project.

The five-month Bolton YMCA project, entitled The Learning Cafe, will launch on January 27 and the charity is looking for people aged over 19 to sign up.

Bolton YMCA will spend one day a week with the project's participants and will hold workshops on CVs, applying for jobs, interview techniques, food hygiene, team building and more.

The charity is also looking to organise work experience placements for participants, both in the UK and in countries such as Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey.

The project, which will take place at Bolton YMCA's base in Deansgate, is primarily aimed at young people aged 18 to 25 who are not in education, employment or training (NEETS) and long-term unemployed people.

Bolton YMCA chief executive Julian Finch, who created the project, said: "We are hoping that the lives of unemployed people will be transformed by this project.

"It will make people far more employable, improve their life prospects and give them a chance to do things they wouldn't normally do."

Jade Sephton, a youth and community worker for Bolton YMCA, will co-ordinate the running of the project.

She said: "I'm feeling really excited about this project getting started and I'm looking forward to helping people — I think it'll be a great project for them to get involved in.

"This project is all about supporting young people in a fun, friendly environment."

During the project, participants will be able to gain such qualifications as a Food Hygiene Certificate, a Level 2 Employability Certificate and AQA qualifications.

They will also be given a free midday meal as part of the project.

Sessions will take place every Tuesday until May from 10am until 3pm and there are about 20 space available on the project.

Bolton YMCA will hold two open days for anyone who wants to enrol on The Learning Cafe or find out more, on January 13 and January 20 at 12.30pm to 2.30pm at 133 Deansgate, Bolton.

Alternatively, you can call Bolton YMCA on 01204 522855 or email enquiries@boltonymca.co.uk.