ABOUT 200 workers were given an early Christmas present today after their MP's intervention helped to save their jobs.Colchester-based TES 2000 Ltd was placed into administration by its current directors in August due to financial problems incurred under previous management.

ABOUT 200 workers were given an early Christmas present today after their MP's intervention helped to save their jobs.

Colchester-based TES 2000 Ltd was placed into administration by its current directors in August due to financial problems incurred under previous management.

Crucial negotiations with the Inland Revenue over these financial problems seemed set to stall until the directors had a meeting with Colchester MP, Bob Russell.

He then made several personal representations to the Paymaster General, Dawn Primarolo, to try to secure the company's future.

A deal has now been struck between TES 2000 Ltd - which specialises in rail safety and on-track services for the railways - and the Inland Revenue that has allowed the company to come out of administration.

Company founder and chairman, Tony Evans, said last night: “The company enlisted the help of Mr Russell in dealing with the Inland Revenue and we are delighted at his involvement in achieving a successful outcome.

“In addition to Mr Russell's involvement, we were also supported by Network Rail and other key clients during the administration period.

“Thanks to them, the administrator, the current directors and, not least, our excellent staff, we are able to continue to provide safe working environments to the railway industry.”

Mr Russell said he had feared the worst when he had first been alerted to the predicament of the company, which is based on the Whitehall Industrial Estate in Colchester.

“I am both relieved and pleased that my direct representations to the Paymaster General appear to have been successful. I wish TES 2000 Ltd and its employees all the best for the future,” added the Liberal Democrat MP.