THE Gazette was praised in the House of Commons for its key role in promoting the campaign for 100 apprenticeships to be created in 100 days.

The campaign, which ended earlier this month, led to 160 young people taking up apprenticeships.

The praise in the Commons came from Colchester MP Sir Bob Russell, who had launched the campaign earlier in the spring.

During Education Questions, Sir Bob said that if the Government was looking for examples of best practice in boosting apprenticeships then he would recommend the one which he had launched in Colchester.

He told fellow MPs the partners in the campaign were the Colchester Institute, Colchester Daily Gazette and the regional office of the National Apprenticeship Service.

Responding, Skills Minister Matthew Hancock MP acknowledged the important role played by the Gazette.