England's National Parks will get £9.6 million more over the next three years, Rural Affairs Minister Jonathan Shaw announced today.

Defra's annual grant to the eight National Park Authorities and Broads Authority will rise from £44.4 million now to £48.9 million in 2010/11; a ten per cent increase.

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Funding will increase by 4.2 per cent in 2008/09, and by 2.9 per cent and 2.75 per cent in each of the two following years.

Jonathan Shaw said : "I am delighted to be able to increase funding which will enable our National Parks to continue protecting and improving the landscape, our heritage, and wildlife.

"National Parks are not just beautiful and historic parts of the countryside, but places where people want to live and work."

Mr Shaw hopes that with the government's support Defra can continue to help build sustainable communities and give all of us a better environment.

(GK/JM)