AN EVENT to encourage rural communities to start a business and existing businesses to diversify has been hailed a success.

The Rural Enterprise Show 2003, held at Kirkley Hall, near Ponteland, Northumberland, at the weekend, aimed to provide business support, inspiration and motivation for people living and working in the countryside.

More than 600 people attended the three-day event, which was hosted by One NorthEast and Business Link Northumberland.

David Smith, regional initiatives manager at One NorthEast, said: "We have been delighted with the response to the show, with people coming from as far afield as Teesside and Cumbria."