AN ENGINEERING firm has officially secured £2.28million of funding for jobs and industry.

AJ Woods, based at Iconfield Park, Parkeston, has been given cash to support its part in the offshore renewable industry.

It successfully won the bid from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) today after being shortlisted in September.

AJ Woods wants to create a dedicated harbour and operations centre for high speed offshore support vessels. It is hoped 300 local jobs will be created.

Construction work on the new facilities will start as soon as possible in the New Year.

The loan was acquired with help from Essex County Council, Tendring Council and the Haven Gateway Partnership.