The Arun Rural Transport Partnership is inviting bids for a share of a fund aimed at improving transport in rural areas.

A total of £6,250 is available from the fund, held by West Sussex County Council on behalf of the Arun Rural Transport Partnership, The Countryside Agency and West Sussex County Council.

The partnership involves the county council working with Arun District Council, primary care trusts and the voluntary sector, including local community transport schemes and the Council for Voluntary Services.

To be eligible, applicants should be providing a new or improved transport service to a rural area in Arun.

Projects should demonstrate community involvement and take care not to undermine existing routes or services.

Lieutenant Colonel Tex Pemberton, county council Cabinet member for strategic environmental services, said: "This money is very welcome and I know it will help make a real difference to organisations involved in local transport provision.

"If you are unsure about whether you might qualify for a slice of this money, why not get in touch and ask us?"

The Rural Transport Partnership was set up to address problems including the isolation of people in rural areas, lack of transport for people with mobility problems and to develop innovative services in areas with little in the way of conventional bus services.

Application forms and further details can be obtained from Julian Hart, rural transport partnership officer, on 01243 756603.

The maximum that can be claimed is £1,500 and applications close on June 27 2003.