RURAL business grants will be showcased at an event in Steeton.

The range of funding available from the South Pennines LEADER programme will be outlined.

And there will be a chance for visitors to network and promote their organisation.

The LEADER scheme has a budget of more than £1.2 million to support business enterprises in the South Pennines area.

Applications are now being accepted for the initiative, which is being managed by rural regeneration company Pennine Prospects.

Support could be provided for example to increase farm productivity, help micro and small enterprises and farm diversification, boost rural tourism and services, and back cultural and heritage activities.

Grants can cover up to 40 per cent of full project costs.

The breakfast event takes place at Steeton Hall Hotel, Station Road, on Thursday, November 30, between 6.45am and 8.30am.

As well as learning more about the grants, people can network with Airedale Aspire BNI members.

Sally Hinton, co-ordinator of the LEADER programme, said: "We still have grant funding available, especially for farm, forestry, manufacturing, tourism and recreational businesses.

"This networking event is a chance for local business people to find out about the grants and the process for applying and to see if we can support their plans, boosting economic growth and creating new jobs.

"If you are not able to attend, please contact us on 01422 264685 and we can discuss your plans individually."

Airedale Aspire BNI meets weekly at Steeton Hall.

There is a £10 charge for visitors, to cover the cost of breakfast and room hire.

Group president, Andrew Wood, said: "We always welcome visitors to our networking group and it would be great to see a large number of rural entrepreneurs on the 30th to find out about what LEADER and BNI can offer them."

To register for the event, contact Mr Wood on andrew.wood@suerydercare.org.

A handbook and guidance notes about grants can be found at southpenninesleader.co.uk.