A SUCCESSFUL London Olympics bid would bring real economic and social benefits to Essex, the county council says.

The response follows the Government's decision to back the bid for the 2012 Games.

It says that traditionally the host city has adopted sporting centres up to 40 miles from the main venue.

The council believes some 9,000 full-time jobs will be created by the Games and together with the tens of thousands of vistors that would arrive from all over the world, would be a huge boost to counties on London's borders.

Councillor Stephen Castle, cabinet member with special responsibility for sport, said: "This is an important step towards the prospect of the greatest sporting event in the world being staged in our area.

"We wholly support this move and will play every part we can to ensure the London bid is successful, and to bring the benefits of the Games to Essex.

"Although we are unsure at this stage whether Essex will be able to host any of the actual events, we are still very positive to be able to host training camps and provide the training facilities. This could mean massive investment in sporting facilities in our county."

He added: "We have some great young sporting talent in our county, many of whom are still in school. What better incentive could they have but to strive for the highest sporting achievement in the world? It's a thrilling

prospect."