The Liverpool Echo has launched a campaign to create 2,008 new jobs on Merseyside - in time for Liverpool's year as European Capital of Culture in 2008.

The paper has linked up with Merseyside Special Investment Fund to run the Kickstart campaign, which will foster job growth by encouraging people to expand existing businesses or set up new ones and capitalise on the opportunities presented by Liverpool's status as Capital of Culture.

Echo editor Mark Dickinson said: "Merseyside is packed with talented people.

"Our Kickstart campaign will help these people to realise their ambitions - and that will mean many more jobs and more prosperity for the whole of Merseyside."

As part of the new initiative new and existing business will be able to compete for a £15,000 cash prize - plus up to £10,000 worth of free business advice - every year between now and 2008.

Winners will be able to use the money to invest in equipment, premises, product development or a new member of staff - anything to help their business more successful and to create local jobs.

And the Echo's campaign has already won the backing of the Prime Minister.

He said: "I am delighted to support the Echo's Kickstart campaign to help new and expanding businesses create hundred of new jobs on Merseyside.

"It's an ambitious and worthwhile initiative designed to ensure Merseyside reaps the full benefits from Liverpool's European capital of culture status in 2008.

"These are exciting times for Merseyside. There are great changes underway and a new and deserved sense of optimism.

"It's a confidence, of course, which received a huge extra boost with Liverpool's success in the culture competition."

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