TEESDALE farmers are being offered the chance to meet with an adviser to discuss sharing in a £1.6bn cash grant for the countryside.

The money has been reserved by the Government to help rural development in the aftermath of the foot-and- mouth epidemic.

A Rural Development Service adviser is available to give information on how farmers can take advantage of funding available under the England Rural Development Programme (ERDP).

The programme aims to help farmers and foresters to respond better to consumer requirements and become more competitive, flexible and environmentally aware.

The total funding expected to be available during the scheme's six-year operation is £1.6bn.

Advisers aim to make sure rural businesses get the maximum value from the fund, especially in their efforts to recover from the effects of the foot-and-mouth epidemic.

The first day of meetings in Barnard Castle tomorrow is already fully booked, but if there is sufficient interest, a second day could be arranged.

Ken Haynes, rural development adviser said: "I am keen to meet farmers, and other rural business people in the Teesdale area on a one-to-one basis to explain the ERDP and the funding that is available under it in more detail and to advise on how they can make an application."

To book an appointment with Mr Haynes call Shaun Stewart on (01833) 631851.