THE government has confirmed a two-year funding package for a newly created National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) operating across England and Wales.

Funding of almost £40,000 was announced by the Home Office on Monday, July 28.

It will be used to provide information and support for rural communities by encouraging direct interaction between businesses, organisations and the police.

The concept for a rural crime network was developed by the Rural Services Network, working alongside most of those PCCs serving rural communities.

NRCN chairman and Yorkshire PCC Julia Mulligan said: "Once fully operational the network will help enable a better response to the problems of rural crime and anti-social behaviour."