A WEBSITE dedicated to rural businesses has received the support of a multi-national corporation.

Pfizer, the animal health specialist, has recognised the potential of RuralHeart.com - a website set up by Bromsgrove businessman Ian Lambert in May last year.

Pfizer has committed itself to 12 months of sponsorship and financial support for the website, which is a comprehensive directory dedicated to supporting rural enterprise.

"Clearly, as a company, we have a real concern for the welfare of the agricultural and wider rural communities and recognise that RuralHeart.com has an important contribution to make in furthering rural interests," said a spokesman for Pfizer.

RuralHeart.com offers a free internet presence and marketing platform for any rural and semi-rural business in Britain, with several low-cost add-on options to help businesses make full use of the opportunities offered by the world wide web.

The fully searchable database gives access to businesses of all types in every county in the country and can be searched by trading title, business type or geographical area.

The directory already has more than 250,000 entries - including services, shops or ideas for a day out - with more being added every week.

Mr Lambert said he was delighted with the agreement.

"With this invaluable support from Pfizer Animal Health, RuralHeart.com can remain a free-access, free-listing site for the foreseeable future," he said.

For more information, visit www.RuralHeart.com