BOTH Tilbury and Grays are set to benefit from substantial government handouts after it was announced who will get what in the national Towns Fund scheme.

Both towns were selected to participate in the scheme which supports an initial 101 places across England asked to develop proposals to drive economic regeneration and deliver long-term economic and productivity growth.

Town boards were set up for both Tilbury and Grays, tasked with coming up with a raft of ideas. Now the outcome of their submissions has been announced and Tilbury will get £22.8 million and Grays £19.9 million.

Chair of Tilbury Towns Fund Board, Peter Ward, said: "The transformational projects put forward in the bid have been shaped by residents and local businesses, people who live and work in Tilbury. I'm excited to see how the proposals develop and the significant difference they will make across the entire town for generations to come."

The plan submitted by the board aims to reconnect the town to the river with suggested schemes such as a new jetty to help extend river bus services and steps to open up Tilbury beach to create better access, and restoring the historic 'landside' access to Tilbury Fort, allowing easier access to this ancient monument and to Coalhouse Fort.

Other proposals include a state-of-the-art youth facility and vast improvements across the entire town to restore its station hub and transform its civic heart, celebrating Tilbury's rich heritage and future proofing the town for generations to come.

In Grays proposals submitted by Grays Towns Fund Board include reconnecting the town with the river, improving the station gateway, and creating a brand new riverfront destination possibly including a maritime activity centre and jetty. Thurrock Council can now commence technical and design work in order to progress these ideas and establish viable business cases.

Chair of Grays Towns Fund Board and Director of Development at NewRiver REIT, Justin Thomas, said: "This funding will provide much-needed enhancements to the environment and public realm in Grays. The projects proposed have the ability to accelerate the transformation that is already happening in Grays, creating lasting social and economic impact for its residents, businesses and visitors for generations to come."

Cllr Mark Coxshall, Thurrock Council's cabinet member for regeneration, strategic planning and external relationships, said: "This is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform the towns.