BUSINESSES in rural Lincolnshire are being asked to share their thoughts on future grant-funded projects in their community.

Engagement events held around the county are giving local people the chance to discuss the priorities for future development in their area.

It also gives them the chance to hear about projects supported by the last round of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development LEADER fund.

Judy Bell, Lindsey Action Zone manager for Lincolnshire County Council said: "EU LEADER funding reaches 2,300 rural communities across Europe and we want Lincolnshire to be counted amongst those communities.

"We are consulting with businesses and the public on our plans to attract European funds so that we can make sure that those plans fit the needs of rural communities."

If successful, the grant funding will be available from 2015-2020 for investment across five categories:

* Micro enterprises and small businesses
* Farming
* Forestry
* Rural tourism
* Rural services
* Cultural and heritage activities

Four applications will be made so that funding can be available across rural parts of the county.

Those areas include the coastal strip of East Lindsey, the Lincolnshire Wolds, Wash Fens and North and South Kesteven.