'It is really important that as oil and gas is struggling, Lowestoft makes it clear to the workforce that there are opportunities here.' That is the message from Phil Aves, change manager at Lowestoft Rising - an organisation working to improve the town - as it was revealed hundreds of jobs have been lost in the area.

The industry has struggled due to falling oil prices, with between 500 to 1,000 jobs lost since September in the Yarmouth and Lowestoft area.

But Mr Aves said: 'There is such a breadth of opportunities.

'We can't hope that the oil

and gas industry is suddenly going to change. We need to make sure that all the other opportunities are there and that the skills and training are available to allow these people to move on.'

JobCentre Plus is also working to help employees affected, while the prime minister announced a support package for the industry yesterday.