A new £500,000 scheme aims to boost jobs and businesses in rural areas.

The farm diversification scheme is to be managed by the South East England Development Agency (Seeda).

The first phase involves converting redundant agricultural buildings on 25 farms across the region to create workspace for light industry, offices, a nursery school, farm shop, livery stables and self-catering accommodation.

More than 100 farms in the region applied for grants under the scheme and a second phase will be announced early next month.

Valerie Carter, rural director at Seeda, said: "At a time of increased pressures on agricultural businesses, we are trying to help farmers in the South East diversify into other income generating activities and find long term use for some of their redundant farm buildings."