YOUNG people in the Skegness area will have improved access to further education following an agreement between the Grimsby Institute of Higher and Further Education and East Lindsey District Council.

The Institute has agreed to a long-term lease with the Council for the Millennium College that was due to become empty when First College leaves at the end of July.

Since First College announced its intentions to withdraw from Skegness the Council has been working hard to attract another education provider to the area.

The Leader of East Lindsey District Council, Councillor Doreen Stephenson, said: "As a Council our priority is to improve the skills of people living in the district and this agreement signals a new era of further education in the Skegness area. We are faced with many challenges including both rurality and poor transport infrastructure, which particularly affect young people. The decision by the Institute means that people can continue to access high quality courses and educational faculties without having to travel a great distance, which will be a great benefit to many people."

The Council’s Portfolio Holder for Business Support, Councillor Colin Davie, said: "I’ve worked closely with the Institute to put this deal together and am delighted that they have agreed to bring a whole host of exciting courses to Skegness. I’m sure the courses will benefit hundreds of people in the community and will be an important asset to the town."

A spokesperson for the Grimsby Institute, said: "We are looking forward to the challenge that this new venture will bring to Skegness further details outlining courses and opportunities will be available in the near future."

Courses likely to be run include: