THE farming community in East Lancashire is being offered assistance from Lancashire Rural Futures.

Farmers, landowners and related land-based businesses linked to the rural economy are invited to contact the programme for support.

Formed three years ago, Lancashire Rural Futures was based around the Bowland Initiative, a pilot scheme to increase economic and environmental resources.

The initiative was recognised as an example of best practice highlighted in a Government Rural White Paper and has since grown in size.

More than one hundred businesses have been assisted by the scheme.

John Welbank, project manager, said: "The support has enabled this innovative approach to rural regeneration to continue."

For more information call 01200 426433.