Essex will only see benefit from the 2012 Olympics if it is prepared to work for it.

Speaking at a conference to unveil the county's action plan to "maximise" the Games, Stephen Castle - who worked alongside Lord Coe to bring the Olympics to the UK - stressed the knock-on effect from the London Olympics could be felt across all walks of life.

Mr Castle, Essex County Council cabinet member for education and sport, said: "It is projected the economic benefits to the county could be as high as £139 million while the impact to the region is expected to be £600 million - but only if action is taken to attract the tourism, win the construction contracts and fund the skills courses."