Local projects are being urged to apply for a share of £5bn in European funding, which will be targeted at Local Enterprise Partnership areas for the first time.

In a bid to shift towards more localised spending, local projects have been asked to apply for the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund.

Funding decisions will be based around the priorities of LEPs, who will play a key role in how the money is allocated and invested.

Local growth and northern powerhouse Minister James Wharton said: ‘This funding will give the places a chance to contribute more to the national economy and unlock local potential.

‘It will ensure we can build up local economies around the country and the Northern Powerhouse that will have a big and real and positive impact on people’s lives, delivering more jobs, more opportunities and a better future for all.’