STRUGGLING farmers across Herefordshire are being told they don't have to suffer in silence.

Kate Jones, the regional manager for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) - a welfare charity that supports people from the farming community in financial hardship - says help is available now for those on low incomes and with limited savings.

She said: "This year, we have already given out grants of around £1.4 million in total, supporting more than 1,200 individuals and families.

"We provide assistance to working farmers, farmworkers and their families who rely on farming for their main source of income as well as retired farmers, farmworkers and their dependants who have spent at least ten years in the industry.”

Last week, Kate collected a cheque for £300 on behalf of RABI at the Herefordshire Agricultural Club dinner at Lyde Court, near Hereford.

Around 60 members attended the function which was hosted by club chairman Phillip Whittall.

She added: "Voluntary income is our main source of funding and it enables us to reach farming people in need, with compassion and discretion.

"There are lots of ways in which we can support people, including payments towards essential white goods, disability equipment or clearing domestic utility bills."