A RESEARCH support team based at Essex University aiding health studies has been given a £5 million grant.

The National Institute of Health Research Research Design Service East of England helps researcher put together study proposals as part of funding applications.

The grant, being paid to the service over five years, will support research aimed at improving diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease in the region.

Work it has already supported in the past includes assessing stop smoking materials and pain control method following knee replacements.