Lifelong Learning minister Margaret Hodge praised the way skills shortages are being tackled in Sussex.

The minister visited Brighton University's Moulsecoomb campus to see the schools of engineering, pharmacy and biomolecular sciences and the institute of midwifery at Falmer campus.

She also went to Plumpton Agricultural college and the Sussex Learning and Skills Council (LSC), where she met chairman Norman Boyland and executive director Henry Ball.

Mrs Hodge said: "The Sussex Learning and Skills Council is developing some innovative approaches to tackling skills shortages in Sussex and developing lifelong learning opportunities across the county."

Representatives from Sussex LSC have visited more than 30 organisations and groups and talked to more than 2,000 people to explain their key objectives, which including making education and training available to more people, maximising the contribution of education and training to economic performance and raising standards at every level.

Mr Ball said: "We are encouraged by the responses we had so far. We will all be working to deliver a highly-qualified and productive workforce in Sussex which will match the best in the world.

"Sussex employers deserve a skilled local workforce and Sussex training and educational organisations need to match their programmes to employers needs."

More than one firm in five in the South-East says it is experiencing difficulty recruiting staff and 39 per cent of firms say their organisations have been affected by a shortage of suitable people to fill vacancies.

Law firm DMH has appointed three new partners.

They are Alex Chester, who works in the firm's innovation and media group, Michael Mulcare and Ciaran McCabe who join the personal injury group, offering a range of legal services.

Mr McCabe has worked with DMH since qualifying.

He said: "The opportunities presented by the growth of the personal injury group into a nationwide practice, operating out of Brighton and London, will enable us to continue to improve the service we offer our clients."

Managing partner, Tim Aspinall, said: "All three have made important contributions to the firm. Their appointment as partners is further evidence of our continued success and expansion aims."