More than £12,000 is up for grabs to improve public transport in rural areas around Worthing.

The Central West Sussex Rural Transport Partnership is inviting bids for a share of a fund aimed at making transport more accessible on the outskirts of Adur, Horsham and Worthing.

The partnership involves West Sussex County Council working with Adur District, Horsham District and Worthing Borough councils and the voluntary sector.

A total of £12,500 is available from the fund, held by the county council on behalf of the partnership.

To qualify for a share, applicants should be providing a new transport service to a rural area or enhancing existing services.

The partnership aims to address the isolation of people in rural areas, lack of transport for people with mobility problems and to develop new and innovative services in areas with little in the way of conventional bus services.

Application forms and further details can be obtained from rural transport partnership officer David Hyland on 01243 756625.

The maximum that can be claimed is £3,000 and the deadline for applications is June 1.