MORE than 30,000 students in full-time education in Folkestone and Ashford are set to benefit from an initiative to bring schools and businesses closer together. South Kent Education Business Partnership (SKEBP) has been formed and hopes to have something to show by the new school term.

Joint ventures will enable young people in schools and colleges to achieve their potential. And businesses will be supported in the development of their employees.

It is through activities like curriculum projects, teacher placements in industry and mentoring school pupils that SKEBP aims to link the education and business communities of the Folkestone and Ashford areas.

The new partnership will be similar in size to the other six that have been established in Kent and Medway. Stephen Hagues is chairman of SKEBP. He said: "In the past, some very good work in developing good links between schools and businesses has taken place in both Ashford and Shepway areas.

"Bringing those two partnerships together will mean a greater sharing of good practice throughout South Kent. It is an exciting time for business in our area and the prospects for young people are tremendous. I urge all businesses and schools to get involved. Everyone will benefit.''