THOUSANDS of pounds of Olympics cash could help unemployed Essex youngsters back to work.

Legacy Trust UK, charged with allocating £40 million of lottery and Government money ahead of the 2012 Games, has approved proposals for a new programme aimed at jobless teenagers and adults in East Anglia.

The Personal Best scheme, to be led by a regional cultural body, Living East, will include volunteering at public events such as Colchester's planned cultural festival, a programme of shows over the next four years, to help them gain qualifications and experience.

The festival would encompass events throughout the years, which would be marketed jointly to attract more people.

Concerts and gigs would be held at sites like Colchester Arts Centre, Charter Hall, venues at the Sixth Form College and Colchester Institute, as well as churches across the borough.