A £99,000 New Events and Business Fund is helping to create jobs and boost the tourist economy in the Forest of Dean.

Forest of Dean District Council says the fund has helped to support 18 new projects in the district.

Each project or event that benefited had to prove its ability to enhance the local economy.

The ventures ranged from bringing back the popular Coleford Music Festival to supporting activity providers, tourist attractions and even a local brewery.

Amanda Smith, chairman of Coleford Music Festival said: "The funding has contributed to bringing back the Coleford Music Festival, which is growing in size and popularity every year.

"This has enabled us to promote local performers and artists and local businesses as well as raising the profile of the Forest of Dean. We also attract visitors that travel to the event and stay in the area contributing to the local economy."

A spokesperson for the district council added: "We are pleased to have been able to provide funding to support these fantastic local projects.

"All the successful applicants put forward clear business ideas that demonstrated their projects could stand the test of time and already the projects have generated new jobs and brought more visitors and increased revenue to the area.

"For more information about the successful projects visit the council's website www.fdean.gov.uk and view the 'Forest of Dean Economic Growth fund' on the 'finance and funding' page in the business section of the site.

Pictured: The 2016 Coleford Music Festival.