A NEW £1.5 million capital grant has been launched to grow businesses and create jobs within the Gloucestershire's tourism sector.

Organisations are being invited to submit expressions of interest to the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) Growth Programme.

The grant is available for land-owners, groups representing rural communities, charities and public bodies.

This fund aims to encourage visitors to spend more time and money in the rural parts of the GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership area.

Capital grants are also available for rural micro and small businesses that create new jobs and increase productivity or bring money into the rural economy.

GFirst LEP has worked with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) to secure the grant through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

Chief executive of GFirst LEP David Owen said: "Rural businesses play a key role in maximising opportunities in tourism to strengthen our rural economy.

"The award of further grant funding will bring much needed support to rural business to enable them to expand and grow."

A free workshop is being held on Wednesday, April 5 at The Growth Hub, which will include a step by step guide to applying for funding, and delivering a project under both the Growth Programme and Leader Programme.

To book a place on the workshop, visit bit.ly/eafrdgfirstlep.