HARWICH and Manningtree have been given a fantastic “shot in the arm” for regeneration after being officially branded as deprived areas.

The towns have been given special Assisted Area status by the Government, which opens up chances for new cashpots of funding for businesses as well as tax breaks to create jobs, invest in new premises or machinery and grow.

County Councillor for Harwich, Ivan Henderson, said: “It is fantastic we are now in the race but we have got some catching up to do.

“I think it will now be the first bit of positive news Harwich has had for years."