A TRUST working to secure jobs for war veterans has secured a grant of £750,000.

Tilbury on the Thames Trust has been awarded the Libor Grant Commitment to develop a bursary and training scheme for veterans and their families

within logistics at the Port of Tilbury.

The Libor Grant is funded through fines placed on banks.

Tilbury on Thames approached the Government to apply for the grant and was pleased to hear the trust had been successful.

The programme is due to start in April 2017.

The company works to restore and celebrate the Grade II* Cruise Terminal complex, an architectural gateway on the Thames with cultural significance for trade, military and migration.

The proposal is to blend community and commercial uses at the complex, and is part of a wider ambition to restore heritage, generate training opportunities and connect with the increased port investment and employment opportunities at the port.

Port of Tilbury and the Royal British Legion are working together on a proposal for a veteran-focused training programme and bursary scheme. This will ensure the UK’s ex-servicemen and women, form a central part in the delivery of this vision.

Kate Green, East Anglia and Essex manager Royal British Legion, said: “This project can only be a great success.

“Every week we have young soldiers who have settled in Essex seeking employment and re-training.

“At the present time we struggle to find enough placements and training opportunities for them. The Port of Tilbury can offer all of this.”

Jackie Doyle Price, Conservative MP for Thurrock, has long been a great advocate for the port and veteran community, and has given much of her time in supporting Tilbury on the Thames Trust in an advisory role.

She said: “I am hugely excited by the potential of this project and its ability to deliver both sustainable employment for its participants, as well as providing good, skilled staff to support our logistics industries locally.

“It will be a win-win all round.”

The Port of Tilbury already has an established award-winning Logistics Training Academy that will now expand and be able to offer the training and support to the veteran community, alongside developing a centre of excellence in training for the logistics sector.

Perry Glading, chief operating officer for Forth Ports, which owns the Port of Tilbury, said: “The Port of Tilbury is rooted in our community, having seen successive generations generate a sense of belonging and shared endeavour.

“Our port family echoes the feeling of comradeship within the Armed Forces, confirmed by our current veterans who enjoy successful careers.

“We want to develop this further and are fully committed to making any Libor investment work to support those who embody the best of values.”