Businesses in Newhaven have been praised for finding employment for people who have been out of work for a long time.

They have also been offering training to people without qualifications.

The Newhaven Community Employment Partnership (NewCEP) presented plaques to 11 firms for taking part in a scheme aimed at helping people into jobs.

NewCEP's coordinator Amber Wells said: "Thanks to local firms, 280 people such as mothers returning to work, the under-25s, the over-

55s, long-term unemployed and people with a disability, have been given a chance."

Norman Mayhew, president of the Newhaven Chamber of Commerce said:

"Thanks to NewCEP almost 300 people have got jobs or are now in training. The partnership is good for the employees, food for the employer and good for Newhaven."

Penny Shimmin, programme manager for the Newhaven Community Development Association, presented the awards to representatives from ten of the firms at the Denton Island Training and Business Centre, They were: Brightwell Dispensers, Cash Bases, Cavendish Communications, Concord Marling, Drove Brewster and Travel Inn, Main Systems, Premier Impressions, Reality White Arrow, Sainsbury's and The Sussex Sign Company.