RURAL businesses across Sussex will be able to apply for their share of £3.2m in funding this summer.

The LEADER programme will provide grants to small businesses, farmers, foresters and communities for projects that create jobs and grow the rural economy.

Funding has been allocated to two Local Action Groups (LAGs).

Some £1.5m has been allocated to the Sussex Downs & Coastal Plain LAG, covering rural areas of Chichester District, Arun District and Hayling Island.

A further £1.7m has been allocated the Central Sussex LAG, covering the rural areas of Horsham District, Mid Sussex District and Lewes District.

Both LAGs are made up of local people and organisations with knowledge of rural issues and their communities.

They will decide which projects to fund in a process supported by West Sussex County Council.

The new scheme aims to build on the success of the last LEADER scheme, which supported 153 projects and created 141 new jobs between 2008 and 2013.

County council leader Louise Goldsmith, said: "We want to get the message out to all rural businesses - and to anyone thinking of setting up their own business – we want you to apply.

"If you have an idea which you think will create a job, or benefit rural communities in any way, get in touch."

Central Sussex LAG chairman David Hurst said: "LEADER is local people making sure that the money from Brussels goes direct to the grassroots of our countryside.

Rural businesses could apply for funding to provide local jobs and boost the local economy.

Mr Hurst said: "There are thousands of small businesses included there, and not just farmers and foresters."

For details, visit the Sussex LEADER webpages or email [email protected].