An initiative to revive business for Sussex vineyards hit by the foot-and-mouth crisis is to start next week.

The move comes after wine producers in the county were found to be among the rural businesses hardest-hit by the fallout from the disease.

Following the first outbreak in February, some vine-yards saw sales plummet by as much as a quarter, while bookings for tastings and tours for the coming months fell dramatically, according to food group A Taste of the South-East.

To help put producers back on the tourist map, A Taste of the South-East will use English Wine Week, which starts on May 26, to launch a new Guide to Wines of Sussex and Surrey.

The guide, which lists a dozen vine-yards and wineries selling direct to the public, will be available from tourist information centres and selected retail outlets.

Jo Cummings, regional director, said: "Although Sussex has thank-fully remained free of infection, it would be wrong to think producers have not suffered.

"The regional food group will be helping the recovery by lobbying government and giving local food and drink an even higher profile."