Hundreds of key workers will take part in schemes to cut the cost of housing for them in Sussex.

The Government has announced that teachers, nurses and police officers will be offered shared ownership schemes or equity loans.

Other key workers will be able to apply for interest-free loans of £10,000 to buy their homes.

The scheme is vital for counties such as Sussex where house prices are soaring and show no sign of stopping.

Without some help, workers such as nurses who are paid much the same anywhere will travel to cheaper areas of the country to find jobs.

But much more help will be needed in the years ahead to stop the flow out of Sussex of people who simply cannot afford homes.

The county is a low wage area where the average salary does not come anywhere near meeting the average mortgage.

While the spotlight has been on teachers, nurses and police officers, there are many other vital workers which Sussex must retain.

They include firefighters and bus drivers, who are in short supply, especially in Brighton and Hove. They must be offered more help with their housing.

There is another form of aid which would be even more welcome to most workers and that is higher wages.