The scheme is aimed at attracting more visitors to the east

Extra money is being spent to try to boost rural tourism in the east of England.

Farm Stay UK's Eastern Region has been awarded funding by Defra under the Rural Enterprise Scheme to promote holidays on farms in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

Marketing co-ordinator Yvonne Silk said it was hoped the economy would benefit from visits to rural attractions and the sale of local produce.

She said: "We are setting up a special themed break promotion, with visitors being able to take part in activities such as woodworking classes, history and heritage days, or countryside pursuits.

Economic benefits

"We are particularly looking to encourage more people to visit during the off-peak season."

The funding will also be used to produce a regional touring map and support work with groups such as the East of England Tourist Board and Tastes of Anglia.

Defra cited Hill House Farm in Coveney, near Ely in Cambridgeshire, which received a grant towards converting a disused barn into luxury self-catering accommodation.

The conversion has been awarded five stars by the English Tourism Council.

Michael Mack, project officer for Defra's Rural Development Service said: "More visitors to the region will bring benefits to the wider rural economy."