Farmers have welcomed plans for a new mini-abattoir in West Sussex.

The National Farmers' Union said the slaughterhouse and cutting plant at Woodmancote, near Chichester, would help small-scale livestock farmers.

South-East policy adviser William White said: "Low-throughput abattoirs are vital if small-scale producers are to tap into local niche markets."

The Woodmancote abattoir, expected to be operating by the middle of next year, could handle up to 30 cattle a week.