A crucial scheme which provides cash for rural communities in Tendring has been saved, it has been revealed.

Benjamin Mann, who helps groups apply for cash to boost their communities, will stay in his job for the next two years after a cash boost.

A gap in funding has been plugged by Essex County Council, which has stepped in to secure the vital post for the Tendring Rural Priority Area.

Mr Mann, the rural priority area project officer, has been in his job for more than two years. The new cash will mean he will be able to stay until 2004. Without alternative funding, the whole programme would have been put in jeopardy.

Tendring is one of 16 areas in England with rural priority area designation and the only one in Essex.

The aim is to improve the quality of life for rural residents and improve access to key services and facilities.

Nick Shuttleworth, director of the Rural Community Council for Essex, said: "Benjamin Mann is playing an absolutely vital role linking communities to a range of funding opportunities available in the RPA.

"Thanks to the support of Essex County Council, we can now develop this role further over the next two years."

Peter Martin, cabinet member for community regeneration and economic development, said: "Essex County Council is increasing its role in addressing rural issues through partnership and I am glad we are able to fill the gap in the funding for this important post."

The county council joined forces with the East of England Development Agency, Tendring Council and the Rural Community Council of Essex to provide the funding.

Published Tuesday December 18, 2001