A £1.8MILLION boost for rural projects in the South Hams has been announced.

The South West Regional Development Agency says the South Devon Coastal Local Action Group has been successful in securing the money from a fund for rural communities to help support local projects in the southern part of the South Hams over the next few years.

Local Action is a major part of the EU and Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs funded rural development programme for England, which runs until 2013 and aims to support the creation of sustainable farming, forestry and food sectors, and wider benefits for the economy, environment and rural communities.

The bid was developed from ideas put forward during the consultations held with local representatives on behalf of communities stretching from Kingswear to Wembury, who suggested a diverse range of initiatives.

Alan Stapleton, a driving force behind the funding bid, said: "This is wonderful news which offers exciting opportunities for South Devon. This funding will enable local people to get involved in meeting community needs and shaping development of the area."

South Hams Council has worked closely with the community lead group and business support manager Carol Trant welcomed the news.

She said: "Congratulations to the community-led South Devon Coastal Local Action Group for the tremendous achievement of securing £1.8million for the South Devon area.

"We look forward to working in partnership with the local action group for the benefit of the South Hams community."