A SESSION is due to be held in Penrith explaining how businesses in three sectors have the chance to apply for European Union funding.

Firms in agriculture, food production and tourism are all eligible for the cash, which is being delivered through Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

A total of £4.3m is available - £1.3m investment is can be used to support the development of tourism infrastructure throughout rural Cumbria; funding of £1.5m is to assist rural business development with grants to enable farm diversification or business innovation and growth; the remaining £1.5m is being applied to help food processing businesses to develop and extend supply chains, enabling them to export their goods as well as achieving business growth. It is aimed at food and drink businesses which process agricultural and horticultural products.

The session takes place in the LEP Conference Centre, Redhills on March 16.