THE Yorkshire Agricultural Society is helping a leading charity go that extra mile in its support for farming in the region.

It has presented the keys for a new car to the regional officer of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (Rabi), Chris Andrews.

Every year Chris drives about 25,000 miles as part of her work for Rabi, so her car is a vital part of her role.

"My area covers Lancashire, Cumbria, Northumberland, County Durham and, of course, Yorkshire," she said.

"Much of my work involves keeping in contact with my voluntary county committees across the whole of the area.

"I also have close working partnerships with other organisations, so if Rabi is unable to help, then I can probably put them in touch with someone who can.

"In addition, our headquarters are in Oxford, so my car is almost an extension of my office.

"I couldn't work as effectively without a reliable vehicle and the society's generosity is much appreciated."

Handing the keys over, YAS chief executive Nigel Pulling said: "We have supported the work of Rabi for many years, most recently through our Farmers' Fund, when it played a vital role in supporting farmers through the foot-and-mouth crisis.

"The repercussions of this will continue for many years to come, so the work of Rabi is as important as ever."