TEENAGERS in Essex are set to lose their guidance and advice service resulting in the loss of 160 jobs.

Connexions, which co-ordinates youth services and support specifically for 13 to 19-year-olds, has been recommended for the chop by Stephen Castle, cabinet member for education at Essex County Council.

Mr Castle has admitted the move will be a blow for young people and will mean a loss of a crucial and important service but said the council has little choice after the £6 million annual grant to fund the scheme was lost.

* See Tuesday's paper for full story.