The Government announced this week it would plough £140million into creating tens of thousands of extra apprenticeships - a move which Michael Foster MP believes could really benefit the local economy here in 1066 Country.

The number of people completing an apprenticeship in East Sussex has risen by 278 per cent over recent years to a total of 774 in 2006.

Mr Foster believes this additional funding could see that upward trend continue despite the overall economic problems. He said: "In the current economic downturn, it's vital that we continue to invest in the economy and make sure people in Hastings and Rye have the skills they need to succeed in the future.

"In our area we've already seen a revival of apprenticeships and the extra funding announced by Gordon Brown means we can have even more apprenticeships in the coming year.

"But while the Labour Government is expanding apprenticeships, Tory plans to cut spending next year could actually see over 220,000 apprenticeship places slashed across the country.

"That would be a disaster for Hastings and Rye."