Forest firms given help to grow

A pioneering funding scheme to improve the rural economy in Leicestershire has started at the National Forest.

The project costing £100,000 is aimed at helping businesses which are directly connected with woodlands, wood products or woodland activities.

The first wave of grants, totalling more than £20,000, have been split between six businesses ranging from a traditional craft centre to a sawmill.

The scheme is going to be rolled out into Derbyshire later this year.