ONE of England's most rural counties has been awarded just over £2m to create jobs and support small businesses.

Herefordshire Council received the funding from the European Union and Defra through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

The four-year programme will be used to create jobs and support small businesses in the county's rural parishes.

Council leader Tony Johnson said: "We are delighted that Herefordshire's bid for LEADER funding has again been successful and that new and existing rural businesses will benefit as a result".

The Herefordshire LEADER programme will be overseen by a local action group.

Mr Johnson said it would be used to support small businesses that were a fundamental part of the Herefordshire economy.

Around 40% of total costs will be available to support small and micro businesses in the county.

The programme, which is open for business from November onwards, will also cover farming, rural tourism, heritage, culture, forestry and rural services.

For details of how to apply, visit the Herefordshire Council website www.herefordshire.gov.uk/leader or call 01432 383023/ 383039.