Thurrock has scooped £45,000 from Europe to tackle youth unemployment.

The money was granted after a three year campaign by East of England MEP Richard Howitt.

The money will now be used to match potential employers and employees and give specialist training, education and courses to young people.

The consultation period saw 'Jobtown' survey Thurrock youngsters and local businesses over three years.

Richard Howitt MEP said: “This is a big win for Thurrock and I am incredibly proud to be associated with it and I’m delighted that it was a Labour Council who had the foresight to take up this great offer.”

He added: "Youth employment is obviously a major issue and this is a great example of Europe taking the lead where the government won’t in the battle to tackle youth unemployment.

“It is vitally important that the structural problems facing young people looking for jobs is addressed and this is what this project does."

Thurrock Council leaders Richard Speight and Lisa Ricketts were in Brussels yesterday for the final presentation of the plans.

Thurrock Council was also praised by the Director of the scheme, Ian Goldring, for their quick uptake.

Mr Goldring said: “Thurrock Council is a great catch as a partner and they showed a desire to work with us and a strong work ethic. I was incredibly impressed with the rapidity of their response.”