Euro MP Richard Howitt came out smelling sweetly after his brush with hair specialists KMS.

The South Essex MEP visited the Basildon hair care firm to discuss the possibility of gaining European funding for a prestigious new training centre.

Mr Howitt put on a laboratory coat at the research lab in Gardiners Lane South to join managing director Allen Hayes in filling thousands of bottles of shampoo.

The Labour politician said: "KMS has a long association with Basildon, having been based here for the last 15 years and employing almost 60 people.

"I know that the company has some exciting plans for the future, including expanding their training centre so that more hairdressers can learn how to use their hair care products."

He said he would be looking in more ideal at the firm's ideas to see if European funds could help.

Mr Howitt has already helped many businesses to attract European investment, resulting in more jobs.

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