King's charity issues £450k in funding to help rural and farming projects

The Royal Countryside Fund, founded by the King, has announced a donation of nearly £450,000 to support rural and farming initiatives across the UK.

The funding will support those living and working in the countryside, many of whom are facing increasing challenges such as rising costs, extreme weather and isolation.

The King's charity, who founded it when he was Prince of Wales, said the grants would help enable change and develop resilience in the UK's rural areas.

One group to receive funding is the Rural Health Partnership, based in County Down, which was awarded nearly £25,000 to provide skills training and support to women in farming.