A YOUNG farmers' club has presented a cheque for £1,500 to a charity which helps farming people in financial hardship.

Catterick Young Farmers' Club raised the cash through a string of events including a vintage tractor run, dinner dance, supermarket bag packing and a domino drive in aid of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).

RABI helps people who have suffered accidents or ill-health or whose livelihoods are threatened by such things as bad weather or diseased animals.

In 2015, RABI gave out grants of £1.87m to more than 1,300 individuals and families.

Sally Conner, RABI regional manager for the North-East, said: “Many people would be shocked by how many farming families are in real need.

"There is a perception that all farmers are wealthy but this is not the case. Many in the industry are so close to the edge that when something out of the ordinary happens, it tips them over. Problems are often hidden and the reality of farming life is very different from what the public imagines.”

Alex Chapman, chairman of Catterick Young Farmers' Club, handed over the cheque to David Anderson in front of members from the club.