A SCHEME has been launched to help rural businesses survive and provide a service for local people.

Shopkeepers and landlords in Tockholes and Hoddlesden are being encouraged to bid for a slice of £20,000 to develop their businesses and create more jobs.

The early Christmas present was made possible after Darwen Town Centre Partnership received funding for rural small business developments from Lancashire Rural Partnership.

The programme will run for a year, with £10,000 coming from the partnership's Rural Recovery Fund and £10,000 from Blackburn with Darwen Council.

The council will look to support businesses and other enterprises which provide a service to the community, such as pubs which also provide other services like post office counters.

It is hoped other small businesses which strengthen services and employment opportunities for local people and help to support the development of tourism will also apply for cash.

Coun Andy Kay, council executive member for regeneration and chairman of Darwen Town Centre Partnership, said: "One of Darwen's strengths is that it is located in the heart of the countryside.

"And one of the partnership's aims is to strengthen links between the town and the surrounding villages.

"We are delighted that this new funding has become available for the rural areas around Darwen and we are already bidding for further funding for business development for the next three years to carry on this important work."

North Turton with Tockholes councillor Jean Rigby said: "This is brilliant news and it is nice to think the rural areas are getting some money as well because we sometimes feel we are out on a limb and a little bit neglected. Hopefully people will make the most of the money and it would be great if it helps create more jobs for the area."

The council has written to businesses in the area to encourage interest and said there are already some local businesses interested in the scheme.

Anyone wanting to apply for a grant should contact Barry Entwistle at the council's Business Support Office at No 1, The Beehive, Shadsworth Business Park or by ringing 01254 844120.