Jobs and business opportunities are to be created in rural areas of Sussex through a £500,000 farm diversification scheme.

The programme encourages farmers to look at ways of maximising their assets and will be managed by the South-East England Development Agency (Seeda).

The first phase of the scheme involves converting redundant agricultural buildings on farms across the region to create new workspace for a range of uses, including light industrial, office, education, retail and leisure.

The farms in the first phase of the scheme - arable, mixed and fruit farms - cover almost 4,000 hectares and the conversions are aimed at making positive impact on the rural economy.

More than 100 farms applied for grants under the scheme and Seeda had to assess the applications before selecting the first 25 projects.

A second phase will be ann-ounced next month, with Seeda contributing a total of £500,000 to the successful applicants.

All the conversions have to be environmentally sensitive and in keeping with their surroundings, as well as meeting the highest design standards.

Rural sector director Valerie Carter said: "At a time of increased pressures on agricultural businesses, we are trying to help farmers diversify into other income generating activities, and find long-term uses for some of their redundant farm buildings.

"The scheme gives farmers the opportunity to create new sources of income for themselves as well as meaningful employment for their local communities. It is no surprise that the scheme is so popular, in fact it was six times over- subscribed.

Paul Hudson, Seeda's director of regeneration and infrastructure, said: "The scheme is part of our strategy to promote employment opportunities and quality of life in the South-East's villages and countryside.

"We have an extensive investment programme for the rural parts of the region and are currently investing £1.8 million in the Rural Priority Areas, including East Sussex."