CHESHIRE'S recovery from the double blow of foot and mouth and terrorism has been boosted with the launch of a countryside plan.

The County Council's regeneration blueprint consists of a five-year plan and was drawn up by the Rural Task Force.

Latest figures indicate that the county is facing losses of around £15 to £19 million as well as around 800 jobs still being at risk.

Schemes drawn up by the blueprint will cover a wide spectrum including economic, tourism, agriculture and environmental sectors and over the five-year period will receive £14 million from the North West Development Agency.

The task force was made up of 23 different organisations representing the rural community and chairman, County Cllr David Rowlands, said: "Foot and mouth sharpened the focus on rural issues, exposing many of the underlying problems already present.

"The links developed through the task force will be used as the building blocks to deliver rural recovery and we hope that even wider partnership of organisations and individuals will develop."

Robin Wendt, chairman of the Cheshire Rural Forum, added: "We hope the plan will help equip the county to meet the challenges it now faces.

"It should also ensure a focussed process of rural development in both the medium and long term for its economy, people and environment."

The County Council has already distributed £500,000 in rural grant aid to foot and mouth hit businesses.