THE successful applicants in a unique scheme to guarantee jobs for more than 100 unemployed people in the town at the new Tesco store have gathered together for a special ceremony.

The celebration event at Padgate College recognised the achievements of 133 candidates who have been employed by Tesco through the job guarantee scheme.

And the new employees heard speeches from some of the partners involved in the recruitment scheme as part of the event.

The successful candidates, who will soon start their induction training, already learned the skills of the trade in July and August at a training course at Padgate College.

Clr Terry O'Neill, Warrington Borough Council's executive member for regeneration, said the scheme has been a great success.

He added: "The partnership has worked extremely well and so we are now in the perfect position to build on this success in the future by getting more employers involved and giving a similar chance to even more local residents."

Warrington-based Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) has also put money into the scheme.

Area manager Chris Koral said: "The NWDA is very pleased to support this important scheme, which has already made significant progress.

"This event provides an excellent opportunity to recognise the achievement of those gaining employment at the new Tesco store, as well as the importance of this worthwhile programme, which will continue to invest in local people, improving their capabilities, attitudes and employability."