Unemployed young people in Thurrock can give their career prospects a boost thanks to a new initiative being launched in the borough.

The council's youth service has joined forces with Essex Business Partnership to provide a new service called Kick-Start.

A council spokesman said: "Kick-Start was founded by youth officer Jackie Barker and training adviser Virginia Beacham to help 16 and 17-year-olds in Thurrock.

''It is funded under the Government's New Start scheme and aims to help young people by providing them with support and advice about education, training or employment.

''Expert advisers will be on hand to talk to young people not in full-time education or employment and help them shape their future.

"The project is being launched in Grays, but will soon become available at Chadwell St Mary, South Ockendon, Tilbury and West Thurrock."

The Mayor of Thurrock, Councillor Carl Morris, will officially launch Kick Start at a ceremony at the Information Shop in Orsett Road, Grays, on August 29.

For further information about Kick-Start contact Jackie on 017747 621783 or Virginia on 017747 621782.

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