Tourism and rural businesses hit by foot-and-mouth disease are to share £500,000 to combat the effects of the crisis.

The South East England Development Agency has announced the cash injection as part of its emergency support package aimed at alleviating a downturn in the region's economy.

Development agency chairman Mr Alan Willett said: "The impact of foot-and-mouth is causing grave concern to businesses in the region and I am pleased SEEDA can now take some direct action to start the recovery process.

"Businesses of all kinds have been affected by the crisis and support is needed as quickly as possible."