A NEW guide to get rural communities through the current economic crisis has been launched.

The Strengthening Rural Communities: Information, Advice and Support guide has been produced by the Plunkett Foundation, a charity that aims to show rural villages how to help themselves.

At a time when the economic situation means that rural communities are facing more challenges than ever, the guide shows communities how to use social enterprise approaches to take control of the issues affecting their everyday lives.

Funding came from the Strengthening Rural Communities Across the North West programme.

The programme was funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency and managed by the Plunkett Foundation in conjunction with the North West Rural Community Councils.