A new training centre for aircraft engineers is set to open at Southend Airport, as part of a £15million Thames Gateway South Essex initiative.

Thames Gateway's Investing in the Community scheme is providing £250,000 to set up the training centre, its first project in Southend.

Gateway chief executive Mary Spence said: "This is a project we have been working on for some time with the airport and employers.

"We are planning a new building to house the centre around the existing complex at the airport and it will be run by a partnership which includes all the colleges in the area."

Mrs Spence said the aim was to develop engineering skills connected with the aviation industry.

She added: "Southend Airport has a strong base in aircraft engineering and maintenance and this is something we are anxious to maintain and develop.

"The planned new training centre will give a boost to local employment, encourage firms to continue to invest in the airport and new companies to come in as well."

The aim, she explained was to provide trained, qualified staff for companies setting up at the airport, so they did not need to bring in workers from outside.

"With the base we have at the airport already, it is important more young people are encouraged to go into the aviation industry," she said.

Proposals for the centre will go to the East of England Development Agency in early March and approval should be given by the end of the month.

She added: "We do not see any problems with planning permission so, hopefully, it should be completed within 12 months."

Another bonus for the airport is that officials hope the centre will encourage airlines to base passenger and commercial operations at Southend, confident there will be a skilled workforce available for repairs and maintenance.

Southend Council leader Murray Foster welcomed the news.

He added: "We have to remember the airport is a multi-faceted operation.

"Everyone tends to think in terms of passenger flights, but it is a major employer with important businesses dealing with aircraft repairs and maintenance, too.

"This new facility will help to build on and increase that expertise."