A SCHEME to help unemployed people in Manchester to return to work has inspired an award-winning project in Israel.

Training company A4e's initiative in Manchester to help long-term jobless people was replicated in Jerusalem, where 120 advisers and trainers have helped more than 3,000 people find work since 2005.

Now the scheme has won recognition for its success in improving Israeli-British relations. The award, from the British Israel Chamber of Commerce, was presented by the country's former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Mark Spanner of A4e said: "We are delighted that our work in Manchester has been able to make such an impact elsewhere."

What do you think? Have your say.