A FIELDWORKER has been appointed to help rebuild young farmers clubs affected by the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak.

Karen Wasden, from Richmond, will work with clubs in the Eskdale district, which includes Stokesley, Loftus, Lythe, Whitby and Danby. The clubs stopped operating during the outbreak.

The post has been paid for by the Local Network Fund, a central government initiative that supports small voluntary and community groups working with young people.

Ms Wasden is a former member of Catterick Young Farmers Club. She will help clubs to re-build and assist with programming, recruitment and officer training as well as helping develop skills such as communication and teamwork.

"I'm really looking forward to the challenge and helping the members of Eskdale District get back on their feet after the devastating effects of foot and mouth," she said.

Her first job will be to help the district organise a competitions day when members will compete against each other in a variety of competitions including stockjudging, cookery, crafts and Land Rover and tractor handling.