THE South East of England Development Agency (SEEDA) has received £2.9m in additional funding.

The award recognises the achievements of SEEDA in 2003-04 in tackling the challenges of the South East. The additional funding will be used to help schemes which benefit the region.

Industry and Regions Minister Jacqui Smith said: “"I am delighted to give SEEDA this award, which recognises its considerable achievements and will allow it to build on its success for the future.

"Regional development agencies are tackling critical issues which cause disparities within and between regions - jobs, skills, infrastructure. The additional funding will be hugely important."

SEEDA chairman James E. Braithwaite, CBE, said: “This extra funding will enable us to continue to build on our successes in the future and is a big boost to the region. Every little bit helps."