VILLAGES and market towns which were devastated by foot and mouth have won a share in a £4million European money pot.

The East Lancashire Partnership, which is based in Accrington, has successfully made a joint bid for the cash, which will come for the EC's Leader Plus programme.

Leader Plus provides funds to improve the quality of life and economic prosperity in isolated areas. Lancaster and Wyre will also benefit.

The money will go towards:

providing a greater range of employment opportunities

opening up new markets for rural goods

helping people living in the country to reskill

linking with other initiatives which are already in place aimed at revitalising rural communities

Target groups are young people, the under-employed -- the rising numbers of part-timers and casual farm-based workers -- and rural businesses.

Janet Mitton, partnership programmes manager, said: "This new funding will build on our successful Enterprising Rural Communities Programme, which is currently tackling rural isolation and exclusion."

That project has put money into initiatives such as the Clitheroe Interchange, which has helped to improve transport links across rural East Lancashire.

Meanwhile, in the Trough of Bowland, Chipping has benefited from a new community centre and another eight are being built or refurbished.

Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael confirmed funding for 24 partnerships across England. There were 49 applications. The other two North West groups to benefit are Cumbria Fells and Dales and Northern Marches, covering Cheshire and the Shropshire plains.

Mr Michael said: "I look forward to seeing the projects that Leader Plus will fund and the real difference they can make to the people of East Lancashire."