COLCHESTER’S long-term unemployed are to start gaining work experience by cleaning up the borough’s streets.

A deal just signed means Colchester jobseekers who are claiming benefits will work with Colchester Council’s zone teams to pick up litter in the town centre, Greenstead and elsewhere.

The first candidate started work last week, and it is expected in the coming months a further six unemployed residents will join them.

The scheme has been set up with Jobcentre plus and Seetec, a Colchester-based training and employment specialist.

See Monday's Gazette for more.