Business leaders have given their support to an ambitious bid for arts college status from two Clacton schools.

The bid was launched by Clacton County High and Colbayns schools at the Princes Theatre, Clacton, yesterday.

If successful, the status will mean a one-off grant of £100,000 and funding of £120,000 a year for at least four years.

Pupils from both schools entertained businesses with a dramatic interpretation from Hamlet, dance and music during the presentation.

Proposals include establishing specialist facilities for the arts, offering information communication technology training for adults and business and to develop new projects between the schools including community radio and arts festivals.

John Curry, business consultant and former managing director of telecommunications company Astralux, believed a successful bid would help businesses expand.

Estate agent John Storey, a founder pupil at Clacton County High, said: "I hope businessmen will see the way clear to support this venture. It is all for the benefit of the area."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.