A £100,000 project has been set up to help people with mental health problems become successful entrepreneurs.

About 60 people from East Sussex, including drug users, the homeless and people with criminal convictions, will benefit from the Government scheme.

The Impact Initiatives Pathways to Enterprise scheme will help people with mental problems start a small business through mentoring, training and support.

Nigel Griffiths MP said the project would "stimulate and sustain entrepreneurship among those affected by mental health conditions".

He said: "A high number of people with mental health issues aspire to work, but many fear that employers will have little understanding of their situation.

"We believe that, for some, setting up their own business would be a viable alternative."