Tourism is one area likely to be supported by the plan

People living in Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire will benefit from the cash injection in the next three years.

Regional development agency Advantage West Midlands is funding the plans.

It wants councils to suggest where the money should be used in their areas to enable them to draw up a spending plan.

The agency's Rural Renaissance is a plan for community and economic improvement in the rural parts of the region.

'Connecting opportunity and need'

The specific spending plans will be unveiled at the Royal Show in July.

It is likely to include support for market towns, food and drink, tourism, broadband and training.

Ian Baker, head of Rural Renaissance at Advantage West Midlands, said: "We have developed this programme in direct response to lessons learned through the foot-and-mouth crisis which put the spotlight on the rural economy and the interconnectedness of the region's urban and rural areas.

"We are working closely with representatives across the West Midlands to ensure specific local needs are met."

Michael Oakes, Advantage West Midlands board member and NFU regional chairman, said: "It is vital we make sure we consult thoroughly to make sure the funding being made available through the rural renaissance is targeted properly so we are connecting opportunity and need."