RURAL firms in East Lancashire are being offered a helping hand to improve the country economy.

A £170,000 programme funded by Lancashire County Council and European funds has already helped more than 40 small enterprises in areas including agricultural haulage, forestry, fisheries and even the arts.

"The difficulties facing rural communities are well-documented and there is a real need to create alternative employment opportunities in these areas," said David Taylor, chief executive of Enterprise plc which is running the Lancashire Rural Market Extension programme.

"We believe the best way forward is to encourage diversification and to help the small businesses that already exist to develop and expand. In that way we can help to create new jobs and bring the increased prosperity that is vital to the future of our rural communities."

The programme runs until the end of December and is open to businesses based in the qualifying rural areas of Ribble Valley and Pendle.

The business advice is delivered free of charge or at a subsidised rate.

Further information is available from Duncan Webb at Enterprise plc on 01772 203020.

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