RURAL businesses in the Bradford district have been urged to apply for a share of more than £3 million in European funds to boost tourism in the Leeds City Region.

The funding, part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) Growth Programme, will be made available to firms, including farms and farm shops, landowners and charities, to invest in infrastructure that will boost local tourism.

Grants from £35,000 are available where investment in capital assets will increase the number of visitors, increase the length of stay and/or increase the amount of money spent in the City Region.

Priority will be given where businesses can show that grant funding will extend the tourism season between October and March, create quality accommodation, footpaths or cycleways, and start or expand events and festivals with legacy potential.

Applicants will need to supply match funding for the amount that they request and must apply for funding by January 31, next year.

Roger Marsh, chairman of the LEP, said: “Our European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) funding allocation is another fantastic addition to the business support available to Leeds City Region businesses.

“Culture and tourism are vital to driving the success of the Northern Powerhouse and this fund will allow us to add to, and develop, the wealth of tourism assets that already exists here.

“Our Strategic Economic Plan sets out how we will build on our distinctive regional assets to help deliver our ambition of creating 36,000 new jobs and adding £3.7 billion to our City Region economy and I would urge rural businesses to apply.”

To apply for the funding, firms are urged to call the Defra Rural Services helpline on 03000 200 301, or email GPEnquries@rpa.gsi.gov.uk.

For more information on additional business support and funding in Leeds City Region, call the LEP Growth Service on 0113 348 1818 or businessgrowth@the-lep.com.