UNEMPLOYED people could become personal assistants to people with disabilities or mental illness, thanks to a new scheme run by a Bolton training agency.

Bolton Wise, an organisation which helps long-term unemployed people back into work, is recruiting people to become full-time paid helpers to disabled people.

Once the trainees pass a free course, they will be put on a select list for disabled people, who can choose to conduct their own interviews with potential personal assistants. The disabled people would pay their personal assistants using their weekly Direct Payment allowances.

It is hoped that the scheme, run in partnership with Bolton Social Services, will help to create employment opportunities as well as providing much-needed care.

Candidates must live in the Bolton area, and will be subjected to Criminal Records Bureau checks.

The scheme is due to start in September.

Candidates will be trained at the Quest Centre on Brownlow Way, Halliwell; Farnworth Town Hall; and Falcon View community centre, on Cotton Street, Halliwell.