There is just one week remaining for new businesses to apply for the Eat: Festivals bursary.

Beverley and Sarah Milner Simonds have teamed up with Thatchers Cider to offer businesses the chance to its first steps into trading.

The bursary aims to encourage business start-ups and entrepreneurial spirit in the area.

It will include a free pitch at the food festivals as well as support from the organisers and designers throughout the year.

The bursary, sponsored by the fourth-generation cider-maker, is for food and drink producers who have not engaged in retail trade before.

Festival co-organiser Sarah Milner Simonds said: “We recognise we have an opportunity to assist in developing the skills, abilities and knowledge of all food and drink producers.”

Applications must be submitted by February 23.