EXTRA cash is on offer for North-East businesses suffering lingering problems as a result of the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

Improvements grants of up to £6,000 each are available to assist development and diversification of companies.

The cash comes from a £1.5m pot put forward by the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, while a further £500,000 is available from the regional development agency One NorthEast.

Independently-owned businesses with a maximum of 50 employees are eligible, provided they can show they have been "substantially affected" by the disease. For further information call 0191-374 4000, or (01642) 806666.