Young northern professionals are to have a one-stop-shop for job searching, finding a home and social activities via an expanding Leeds initiative.

Using Facebook, LinkedIn and iPhone, the Northern Network has been launched for 18-to-35-year-olds in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Hull.

Started in Leeds, it is already helping people find work through 70 employers posting vacancies. More than 30 first-time buyers are already seeking properties within Jewish areas via the service. Although primarily using Facebook, it can be joined by using an iPhone to scan a special barcode being sent to more than 600 people by email.

There will be a launch party next month for a social element of the network, designed to promote regional events.