Thanet is to get a £1million boost to tackle unemployment.

The announcement came from government minister John Healey in response to a question from South Thanet MP Dr Stephen Ladyman.

Mr Healey also said more money would be available for the district over the next two years.

Dr Ladyman said: "Unemployment remains the number one priority for Thanet in my view and helping people who have found it difficult to get back into work for some time is vital.

"First we need to create more jobs in Thanet. Secondly, we need to help people get skills, deal with their health problems and face up to the responsibility of working and contributing.

"This funding from the Government gives us a real chance to make a difference."

The £1,012,404 for the current year is from the working neighbourhood fund which provides money to local councils with high areas of unemployment and skills shortages.

Dr Ladyman said that Thanet council should target areas of greatest need like Ramsgate, Cliftonville and parts of Margate.

He added: "I just hope that they don't throw this opportunity away - this is a huge opportunity to really tackle Thanet's number one problem."