THE launch of a new wood chipping company in Bromsgrove has been given the green light after receiving a £33,980 business grant.

Chessgrove Woodchip Ltd, part of a green programme, was recently formed so that virgin wood could be purchased and dried out on site to produce a fuel used in biomass boilers.

The company is the latest recipient of a grant from the Worcestershire LEADER Programme, and will use the funding to generate green energy for a number of other businesses.

Chessgrove Managing Director Ian Few said: "Chessgrove Woodchip would not exist without the grant. It has allowed us to create the business, to expand our green energy project and create employment.

"We have found the experience very useful. It was a simple process to understand and we feel we've had the necessary support to carry out the project."

Jill Hall, Chair of the Worcestershire Local Action Group, said: "Worcestershire LEADER is pleased to be helping Chessgrove achieve their ambitions for the business.

"We are here to support the growth plans of rural small businesses in the county.

“I would encourage any business with development plans to have a look at our website to see whether you are eligible for our assistance.”

LEADER, part of the Rural Development Programme for England, is delivered by Worcestershire County Council and the Worcestershire Local Action Group on behalf of Defra.

The focus of the LEADER programme is on growing the economies of rural communities by enabling local people to identify and implement solutions to local problems.

The project has received funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development under the Rural Development Programme for England.

One new job has been created as a result.

Anyone interested in applying for a LEADER grant should visit worcestershire.gov.uk/LEADER or call Programme Manager Katie Ainsworth on 01905 843992.