RESEARCHERS want to find out how and where people in the Leominster area earn and spend their money.

A university research team funded by the European Union is putting the town and surrounding villages under the microscope to trace the community's 'economic footprint.'

Professor Andrew Errington of the University of Plymouth said information would be sought on everyday lives and shopping patterns. Data on "the flow of goods, services and labour between firms, households and farms" would provide an interesting economic profile.

"If our previous experience is anything to go by, many local people will be interested to see the picture that emerges," he said.

The main aim was to find out more about the links between rural market towns and the surrounding countryside and villages.

Similar studies are going ahead in other European countries. In the UK research has already been carried out in Devon, Cornwall, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.

"We hope that all those who receive our survey forms through the post will be able to complete them and so help us paint this portrait of 21st century Leominster and the surrounding area, " said Prof Errington

Two thousand questionnaires are being sent to householders, farmers and businesses. The project will include the villages of Stoke Prior, Hope-under-Dinmore, Kingsland, Kimbolton among others.