READERS of the Malvern Gazette & Ledbury Reporter can now provide direct help for local farmers struggling to maintain their livelihoods in the face of foot and mouth.

The Three Counties Agricultural Society, headed by president Sally Clive, this week formally launched an appeal to provide support for farmers and people involved in the agricultural industry.

The Stress in the Countryside Appeal is being run in association with the Malvern Gazette & Ledbury Reporter, together with sister Newsquest Midlands titles, the Worcester Evening News and Berrow's Worcester Journal.

Mrs Clive said the main aim of the appeal was to raise awareness about the situation in the farming community.

"Rural communities are suffering so much and it's having a terrible effect on the rural economy. Farmers build up a tremendous bond with their animals so mentally it's dreadful what they're having to go through.

"What I'm hoping is that, rather like the Samaritans, there will be someone immediately available for farmers to talk to who will be prepared to go out to the farms and help them to start picking up the pieces."

Donations from the appeal will be distributed via the Rural Stress Support Networks in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.

Canon John Willis who was appointed to the Worcestershire Rural Stress Support Network eight years ago, said he has gone from taking two calls a month to taking 300 over the last three weeks.

"Some are in financial difficulty, a lot are seeking information and others just want someone to talk to," he said.

"Last week I distributed over £15,000 to farmers in Worcestershire in grants of £800 to £2,000. Most of them need the money for fodder because they can't move their animals off the farms."

The Three Counties Agricultural Society will be announcing a series of fundraising events throughout the summer, culminating in the new Three Counties Summer Show in August.

Worcestershire Rural Stress Support Network helpline is 01905 381818.

The Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcester Marches regions number is 0870 7074445.