TWO Herefordshire market towns are to receive £300,000 each in a major funding boost to regenerate town centres.

Bromyard and Ledbury have been awarded the cash to develop childcare and youth activities, as well as improve town centres and the surrounding parishes.

Joan Dauncey, the Mayor of Bromyard, said she was delighted with the award, which comes from the Countryside Agency.

"The £300,000 will go a long way to helping our area," she said. "I really hope this will make a difference."

Both districts underwent a community health check and public consultation to find out what regeneration themes local people felt needed addressing.

Len Huff, chairman of the Ledbury Partnership, said the money was great news.