Rural enterprises are being urged to bid for a share of a £2.25 million grant fund.

The so-called Kent Downs and Marshes Leader rural funding programme is using European cash to help business people, communities and farmers for projects over the next five years.

Sums of up to £50,000 may be made available to farmers developing new local food products, innovative new tourism schemes and community-led projects.

The funding is coming from the European Union’s Rural Development Programme for England, and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, through the South East England Development Agency.

The bid was co-ordinated by Kent County Council.

The qualifying area for Kent Downs and Marshes covers rural parts of Ashford, Dover, Canterbury, Maidstone, Medway, Shepway and Swale.

Richard Long, KCC Lead Member for Regeneration and Supporting Independence, said: "This new rural funding programme comes as a much-needed boost for Kent’s rural heartland at this difficult time. It is so good to be able to give our rural businesses and communities a shot in the arm as we are all feeling the affects of the economic downturn."

Keith Harrison, chairman of the Kent Downs and Marshes Local Action Group, added: "This is a really exciting opportunity to invest in new, local ideas which will help inform management and understanding of some of rural Kent’s most iconic areas like Romney Marsh, the Kent Downs and the North Kent Marshes."

Applications should be made online at www.kentruralnetwork.org.uk/leader, or email

Contactruralregeneration@kent.gov.uk