SPECIAL status which could boost growth and jobs in Harwich and Manningtree has been hailed by town and business leaders.

It was announced last week the towns had 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 .

PFL International, based in Parkeston, manufactures powder filling systems. In the last two years they have taken on 11 new staff and spent money expanding their site while doubling their turnover.

John White, who is Finance Director at the company, said: “It looks like it could really help businesses in the area. We would have to look to the fine print to find out exactly how it would affect us. “