ORGANISATIONS across Wiltshire are being encouraged to apply for European grants designed to boost rural employment.

The Leader scheme is one element of the Rural Development Programme for England, funded by the EU and DEFRA.

Grants will be available to support the local rural economy in areas such as farming, micro and small enterprise employing fewer than 50 people and rural tourism

The application process is being administered by Local Action Groups each with a board of volunteers assessing applications to make sure the money goes to those projects likely to create the most new rural jobs for the county.

Most grants will be between £2,500 and £50,000.

For information about applying for a grant contact  James Lloyd via  email at James.Lloyd@cotswoldaonb.org.uk or call 01451 862000.