GRANTS totalling £20,000 have been handed to county businesses to help them cut operating costs, pollution and waste.

The Marches Environmental Business Partnership gave six Herefordshire and Worcestershire firms, including hotels, laundry companies, cider makers and textile experts, a slice of the cash.

"There was enormous interest shown in this pilot grant scheme and we could have spent almost four times the total grant fund available," said Rosie Manise, environmental business adviser for the Chamber of Commerce, Herefordshire & Worcestershire.

"If funds allow, we hope to greatly expand MEBP's programme of work and highlight other grants for which local companies might be eligible."

Pembridge-based Dunkertons Cider Co, Forsheda Industrial Gaskets in Ross-on-Wye, New House Textiles in How Caple and Wind & Sun Ltd in Stoke Prior were all given funds.

Wooton Laundry Nappy Service, based near Kington, Herefordshire, and Tenbury Wells business Burford House also benefited.