EAST Cheshire has the third lowest percentage of 16 and 17-year-olds not in education, employment or training (Neets) in the country, according to new figures.

The borough has consistently held the best figures in the north west, but now Cheshire East Council falls behind only Harrow Council, in London, and the Isles of Scilly, which was home to just 30 people aged 16 or 17 in 2016, when the data was recorded.

The figures reflect a new government measure combining the Neet figure with what is referred to as the ‘not known’ figure.

Under the new measure, there are only 2.2 per cent of Neets and ‘not known’ young people in east Cheshire, compared to a national average of six per cent.

Cllr George Hayes, CEC cabinet member for children and families, said: "These new national figures are a great credit to the young people in the borough, who bring so much positive energy to our authority.

"I am also particularly thankful to those officers and partners who aid and promote this success.

"This council’s commitment to give all young people the best start in life together with our drive and ambition will continue to push the economy forward, creating further opportunities both now and for many generations to come."

Young people must now stay in education, employment or training until they are 18.

This means that each council has a responsibility to keep Neet levels low by the provision of youth support programmes, with CEC's youth support service working closely with colleges, employers and training providers.

The council claims this has helped that it achieve the low Neet figure, by targeting support for those most in need through early intervention, so young people can gain the levels of skills and confidence needed to enter the employment market.