A ROSS-ON-WYE man, who once lived in South Africa, is hoping farmers, landowners and householders in Herefordshire will be able to offer free accommodation to some families in Zimbabwe who need a break from the stress of the violent land-grab campaign.

Peter Blakelock of Hildersley, whose father was a former rector of Brampton Abbotts, said the Country Landowners' Association had been inundated with offers of help and an appeal fund was being set up to help meet the day-to-day expenses of families who took up the accommodation.

"I just want to try to make it more widely known to people that the families in Zimbabwe would like the chance to have a break. They have done a tremendous amount of work within the farming community." The Scottish Landowners' Federation and the National Farmers' Unions of England and Wales have also received offers of help.

The land campaign has led to the deaths of five farmers and the intimidation has continued since the recent elections. The Commercial Farmers' Union of Zimbabwe has welcomed the fund as farmers find it difficult to take money out of the country. Many have suffered heavy financial losses. People wishing to help can contact the union in Harare on 002 634 309800. E-mails can be sent to Lindy Margach of the Country Landowners' Association on Lindy m @ cla.org.uk

The contact for the Zimbabwe Farmers' Holiday Trust Fund is David Wolseley Brinton at Castle Kennedy, Stranraer, DG9 8SL. Fax: 01776 889488.