AN application for grants of up to £2.5m of European and Government money to support rural projects in west and north Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds has been sent in.

West Oxfordshire and Cherwell district councils are now working on the details of the plans, and priorities for the schemes in their areas.

These could include farm diversification, conversion of buildings into tourist accommodation and school heating systems using wood instead of oil.

The bid has gone to the South East England Development Agency, which has given emphasis on projects tackling climate change and reduced use of resources.