YOUTH unemployment has been acted on by a Hereford entertainment venue.

The Courtyard Centre has been reaping the benefits of a short-lived Government scheme to support the long-term unemployed back into work.

The Future Jobs Fund was announced in the 2009 budget to create of new jobs for unemployed young people.

The Courtyard, in partnership with Herefordshire Council and the Department for Work and Pensions, has filled three new positions in its operations, technical and marketing departments.

James Rogerson, a 21-year-old Illustration graduate, was employed two months ago to work as a publicity and distribution assistant in the centre’s marketing department after being unemployed for eight months.

James despaired of finding work as an illustrator but since starting work at The Courtyard he has been putting his degree to good use.

"The Future Jobs Fund has provided me with a fantastic opportunity to expand my portfolio, and my experience at The Courtyard is a great platform on which to build for the future," he said.

James has designed the artwork for a production of Alan Bennett’s The History Boys.

Martyn Green, chief executive, said: "It’s just a shame this scheme is to be so short-lived as I believe positive results would have resulted in the medium term."

Before the scheme was scrapped it aimed to create 111,000 jobs, primarily aimed at 18 to 24-year-olds out of work for six months and claiming jobseeker’s allowance. It has succeeded in creating around 117,000 jobs which will remain in place until the end of their six month terms.

Tickets for The History Boys, which runs from July 29 to July 31, can be booked at courtyard.org.uk or on 01432 340555.