SIR Bob mentioned the campaign in the Houses of Commons last week.

Following a statement from Matthew Hancock, Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise, Sir Bob said: “This morning, in Colchester, I launched a campaign for local businesses to recruit 100 apprentices in 100 days.

“The campaign is supported by the Colchester Institute, the Colchester Gazette and the National Apprenticeship Service.

“Will the minister welcome this success story which follows a fall of more than 600 in the town’s unemployment figures from January 2013.”

Mr Hancock, MP for West Suffolk, welcomed the note.