THE number of people claiming out-of-work benefits has increased in the county.

The latest job figures for Herefordshire showed that the claimant count for February was 1,240 compared to January's figure of 1,180.

This is also 20 more people compared to the same month last year.

There were 250 claimants aged 18 to 24, which is 30 more than the month previously and five more than the same time last year.

The claimant count includes those who are on Jobseekers Allowance, or who are searching for work on Universal Credit.