PENDLE Council has launched two new grant schemes for tourism businesses in the borough.

The council's regeneration unit is offering cash to make improvements to existing businesses or to help start new projects.

One of the schemes is for businesses across the whole of Pendle and the other is for those based in West Craven.

Money is available under both schemes for projects completed before March 2005 that meet the appropriate criteria.

Mike Williams, tourism development officer for the council, said: "We are offering these grants in order to help the start up of new tourism businesses and to develop existing businesses.

"It is one of the ways that we are helping to support the tourism industry locally.

"I would encourage anyone who feels that they could benefit from these grants to get in touch with me, but funds are limited so I would suggest getting in touch straight away."

The recent Pendle Bike Fest has already benefited from a tourism development grant.

Mark Sandamas, from Pennine Events which organised the bike festival, said: "The grant enabled us to create additional publicity through press work.

"Without the grant we would have struggled to draw in 4,000 people to the bike race and a further 1,500 people to the bike show the following weekend."

Mandy Pilkington, owner of Coverdale Farm, a self-catering holiday cottage in Gisburn, also received a grant to help her business.

She said: "We received a grant to help us convert a derelict part of our farmhouse into a holiday cottage.

"We have recently opened and welcomed our first guests, and we are looking forward to the future."