A package of £304,000 to boost West Sussex's economy has been approved.

Part of the new action plan is aimed at supporting regeneration schemes which help provide jobs and opportunities in coastal towns, including Worthing and Littlehampton.

West Sussex County Council says it also wants to make progress on the ambitious scheme to build a media village as part of the Shoreham Martitime Regeneration Strategy.

Cash is also being earmarked to pay for a rural recovery plan launched in the wake of the foot-and-mouth outbreak and the devastating impact on tourism of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.

Cabinet member for the environment Councillor Tex Pemberton said the council would be working with a large number of agencies to help the business community.

One aim was to create a better-skilled workforce that matched the needs of companies operating in the county.

A database of commercial and industrial sites and buildings will be updated regularly during the next 12 months.

Coun Pemberton has also promised to keep up the pressure on the Government for better rail services and to improve the trunk road network across the county.

He said: "The council's role is to provide a framework for action and to be a champion for business."