Business hit by the foot-and-mouth crisis may be in line for financial help.

Lewes District Council will consider giving small businesses a full rate rebate for the three months from April to June if they can prove they have suffered serious economic loss as a result of the crisis.

Businesses with a rateable value of £12,000 or less are being invited to apply for the refunds.

The scheme will also allow losses to firms beyond three months to be kept under review.

The Government has agreed to underwrite 95 per cent of the council's costs in operating the scheme.

Businesses with properties above the £12,000 rateable value affected by the crisis may also be eligible to have their rate installments rescheduled.