Essex University is planning to upgrade higher education in Basildon and Thurrock by running locally-based degree courses.

Talks about a possible link-up with Thurrock and Basildon College are at an early stage and follow the development of a university campus at Southend.

Linda Jones, the university's development director for the Southend, said: "Our motto is In Essex for Essex' and it is our aim to provide higher education anywhere in the county.

"I can confirm we are in discussions with the Thurrock Development Corporation about possibilities at the Thurrock and Basildon College. These talks are in very early stages."

The college has sites at Nethermayne, Basildon, and Woodview, Grays.

Basildon and East Thurrock Labour MP Angela Smith commented: "This could make higher education more accessible to more people.

"It would especially benefit people who work or those who want to study at different times, parents caring for children or sick and elderly people to have access closer to home.

"It would benefit Basildon and encourage more people to get qualifications and having a university does bring with it some credence which may help dispel some of the silly myths about Basildon."

The Southend campus is due to open in November.