Meet two who've beaten the dole! IT is possible to beat the dole - and here are two Bolton people who proved it.

Megan Ratcliffe and Ian Crompton are settling into their careers after a long time of being unemployed.

Their success comes only a week after the launch of the BEN's jobs crusade to get Bolton people working. The Millennium Jobs Challenge aims to find at least 365 jobs until 2000.

The Employment Service, Bolton and Bury Chamber, Lifetime Careers and Bolton Metro have joined forces with the BEN to reach this "Job A Day" target.

In the first week, the number of people ringing the dedicated phone lines to register for work has doubled. Employers are also encouraged to offer work on their special phone number. "It has been a real hotline," said Kathy Walker, marketing manager for the Employment Service. "The first two days were brilliant."

Deborah Bettis, team leader for Employment Service Direct, said the number of calls were up a huge 91pc on the launch day last Thursday, and 119pc on Friday.

"But we have scope for expansion," said Deborah. "We still need more employers to take up the challenge. The people are there, so come and employ them."

The Millennium Jobs Challenge is a positive way of steering all kinds of people into suitable work. It also aims to highlight the great variety of vacancies available.

If you can offer a job, ring 01204 516301, from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.