AN anonymous gift of £50,000 has given a tremendous boost to the Yorkshire Agricultural Society's Farmers' Fund.

The gift, from a Yorkshire charitable trust, brings the total to an impressive £137,041.

The fund was established to direct much-needed cash to farmers in Yorkshire and the North of England who are suffering as a result of the foot and mouth crisis.

Support is channeled through three charities, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, the Farm Crisis Network and The Samaritans.

Mr Bill Cowling, chairman of the society's grants and education committee which set up the fund, said: "This is absolutely wonderful news. Every donation is valuable to us, but a gift of this size lifts everyone's spirits.

"We've spoken to the charities which will benefit and they are thrilled. The problems farmers are facing are long term and this is one of the main concerns.

"We have been able to help with immediate cash problems but, as the disease appears to be on the wane, we can now look ahead to helping people plan for the future."

Launched six weeks ago, the fund was started with a contribution of £50,000 from the YAS.

On being told of the donation, Chris Andrews, regional secretary of RABI, said: "The generosity of people is amazing and the affect it has on helping people is tremendous.

"Not only does it provide much-needed immediate financial help, but it also gives a psychological boost to those who are suffering so much. To know that people still care matters a great deal to them."

Anyone wishing to make a donation should send a cheque payable to the YAS Farmers' Fund and forward it to Nigel Pulling, head of finance, Yorkshire Agricultural Society, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate HG2 8PW.

If taxpayers complete gift aid forms, the Government will give a further 28p to every £1.