A scheme that has pioneered online business training in Oxfordshire is set to expand after receiving £300,000 extra funding.

The Oxfordshire Virtual Campus will extend to surrounding counties after the Heart of England Training and Enterprise led a successful bid for the cash, half of which will come from the European Social Fund.

Colin Downing, at the TEC, said: "The virtual campus pilot scheme has been running for just over a year and is a great success. The potential to go further and use the knowledge revolution through the expansion of online learning is considerable." The OVC will work with businesses and educationists to widen the type of training for small and medium com- panies aiming to enhance business development, management skills and managing change.

The online training will be backed up by workshops, recorded learning materials and workbooks.

Firms will also be able to use the service to improve their business, discuss training needs and work with others within a network as well as accessing the training they need. Mr Downing added: "One of the project's prin- ciples is to research and achieve commercial viability.

"Employers' demand must be met and their involvement is a key component. The service will exploit the latest technology to deliver learning online at a time and a place suited to pupils' needs."

Business Link Heart of England will work with OVC to produce a business plan.