A project which aims to vaccinate badgers against tuberculosis will bid for a slice of new government funding.

The Sussex Badger Vaccination Project (SBVP) will apply for funding as part of the Government’s strategy to rid England of TB by 2038.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has launched the Badger Edge Vaccination Scheme to tackle fringe areas.

Defra will provide funding for up to 50% of vaccination projects but this would have to be match-funded – meaning that to secure the money, vaccination campaigns must raise an equivalent sum.

Kate Edmonds, founder of the SBVP, said while East Sussex is not an edge area, the project was encouraged by Defra to apply to help tackle TB in the county.

Ms Edmonds said: “We are focusing between Brighton and Eastbourne up to the A27 – this is where, historically, bovine TB has been a persistent problem.

“We are very optimistic we will secure funding from Defra.”

While she thanked supporters in areas such as Crowborough and Battle, she said the campaign required more support in their east of Brighton target area.

For more information on the SBVP and to get involved, visit www.sussexbadgervac.co.uk.