David Neilson and Julie Hesmondhaulgh, the Street's Roy and Hayley Cropper, were highlighting Train to Gain on a whistle- stop tour of North East England.

The TV favourites dropped into the Hartlepool Mail offices to tell us about the work the skills scheme has been doing.

David said: "I had numerous jobs before getting into what I want to do and I am still learning now and there is no limit on when people can stop learning and that is what the scheme is about."

He said they have both been overwhelmed by positive messages about the scheme that has seen 17,590 workers trained since its inception.

"It has been a terrific pleasure to visit the North East again to say 'well done' to everybody for embracing Train to Gain," he added.
Julie explained how the pair became involved.

"Our characters in the show work in small businesses and have the problems that many people have and that can be solved through training," she said.

"What the scheme does is give a chance to businesses to improve and be directed in the right way by a Skills Broker who will explain the training that would help in the work place.

"The North East has embraced it more than anywhere else and there is such a pride in the area."

Train to Gain aims to help businesses get ahead by improving the skills of their work force.

They offer free impartial advice through a Skills Brokerage service that helps find the best training to suit each business.

The service is jointly funded regionally by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) North East and One North East.

It has had 3,350 employers taking part and 17,590 people learning in the region.

Employers can call 0800 015 55 45 or visit traintogain.gov.uk to find out more.

Life on the Street for Roy and Hayley