Foot-and-mouth disease has cost Sussex businesses more than £180 million.

A rescue package has been put together for the businesses worst affected by the crisis. Sussex Enterprise is running the business recovery scheme on behalf of the South East England Development Agency (Seeda) and is responsible for managing the financial support so it reaches those most in need.

The amount of cash available to companies will vary according to individual needs up to a maximum of £15,000.

Mark Froud, director of policy at Sussex Enterprise, said: "Small rural businesses are a vital part of the Susses economy and many were hit severely during the recent foot-and-mouth outbreak.

"Our research has shown the total cost to Sussex businesses is estimated at more than £180 million.

"We are committed to helping the worst affected companies by offering financial help and providing information and links to specialist support services."

The funding is available for activities such as training, specialist advice, seeking new markets and meeting loan interest payments.

Mr Froud said Sussex Enterprise could help companies put together an effective business recovery plan.

Eligible companies need to be in rural areas with populations of 10,000 or less, employ fewer than 50 people, have a turnover of less than £250,000 and show the foot-and-mouth crisis has substantially affected their income.

The closing date for applications is September 30.

Although the disease did not hit any farms in the county many firms located in rural areas, which are dependent on visitors for business, were forced to cut back as large parts of the countryside were closed.

The outbreak also sent UK hotel occupancy rates plunging last month. Average daily room occupancy in UK regional hotels last month was 74 per cent, a one per cent drop on the June 2000 figure and the first monthly decline this year.

Airports, too, have been counting the cost of the outbreak. Latest figures from Gatwick owner, BAA, show the impact of foot-and-mouth means all Britain's major airports will see only a small increase in passenger numbers this summer.

Particularly hard-hit was traffic from the United States and Ireland, down by more than ten per cent in May.

But the June figure showed signs of recovery.

Overall, 32.6 million people passed through BAA airports, which also include Heathrow and Stansted compared to 32.1 million in the first quarter last year.