The number of people signing on the dole in the county has fallen again.

Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show 4,073 people were claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in April, a fall of 288 on the previous month.

There are now 2,755 fewer people claiming the benefit than at the same time last year and the figure remains the lowest since July 2008.

Nationally, ONS showed claimants fell by 25,100 to 1.12 million, the 18th consecutive monthly reduction.

Total unemployment including those not on benefits has fallen by 133,000 to 2.2 million, the lowest for five years, giving a jobless rate of 6.8 per cent.