YOUNG people in the Thurrock area are being given the opportunity to take the first steps towards learning a trade.

Thurrock Council and the Mears Group, which carrieds out work on behalf of the council on properties in the borough, has organised a trade school for 14 to 17-year-olds in education in Thurrock.

Taking place in term time only, on Tuesday evenings for 12 weeks the free course offers the chance to learn multiple skills including plumbing, carpentry, platsering and tiling.

To obtain further information email [email protected] for the attention of Catherine Anderson or Rebecca O'Leary or call 01708 361444.