FARMERS and rural businesses in East Lancashire are set to cash in on a share of a grant to help keep their businesses going.

Following a successful six-month pilot the Northwest Development Agency has secured £742,600 towards a further three years of the North West Rural Planning Services.

The project, managed by Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency, is unique to the North West and aims to offer farmers free advice and assistance with planning applications and the authorities.

Ray Kessler, NWDA head of rural policy, said: "Traditionally farmers and rural businesses have been in a weak position due to their lack of expertise in a complex planning system. We are pleased to have the opportunity to offer professional assistance to them."

The money will go towards helping farmers look at alternative ways of supporting their income.

Six free seminars will be organised each year to provide an opportunity for farmers to find out more about the service on offer.

Nancy Tweddell, Cumbria farm link manager at the CREA, said: "Increasingly farmers are looking at deriving income from alternative enterprises, often requiring new uses for land or buildings.

"Planning permission is seen as a barrier to these changes. Farmers and small rural businesses welcome the RPS to advise them in what is likely to be acceptable before any application is made."

For details call 01772 450537.