Plans to build a �300m power plant at a disused colliery creating 1,000 new jobs are set to get the go-ahead.

Coal entrepreneur Richard Budge wants to build the plant at Hatfield Colliery at Stainforth, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, to generate power for 150,000 homes.

Planning officers are recommending Doncaster council's development committee accept the proposals.

They form part of a rescue package for the pit which was bought by Mr Budge after it went into liquidation in 2001.

Wholehearted welcome

John Brown, councillor for the Hatfield ward, insists the jobs the scheme should create are desperately needed.

"It's imperative that we get jobs," he said.

"It doesn't matter where they are as long as we get jobs.

"Hatfield, Dunscroft and Stainforth is a very run down area and we welcome them wholeheartedly.

"We have the technology and the lads round here are a very good workforce.

"Local jobs for local people would be wonderful."