£2.9m investment to boost rural economy

The rural economy in Devon and Somerset is to receive a boost of nearly three million pounds from the government. Farming minister Jim Paice will announce the investment in a visit to businesses in Devon later.

The government says it will create more than a thousand jobs and support 400 businesses.

The Rural Growth Network Funding aims to help rural areas overcome the barriers to economic growth, such as a shortage of business premises and poor broadband access. Devon and Somerset is one of five regions to benefit from the funding.