TWO YEARS after being in sheer desperation as a result of the foot-and-mouth outbreak and domestic problems, publican Frances Debenham is on such top form that she is celebrating with 13,500ft jump for charity.

Recalling how she took only £2.08 in an entire week at her Feversham Arms in the beauty spot of Farndale, Mrs Debenham said her life fell apart when not only did the tourists completely boycott the dale, but she was in the throes of a divorce, her pet dog died from cancer and her two children had domestic crises. Her plight was further aggravated when she was injured in a fall into a septic tank.

Despite the catalogue of gloom, Mrs Debenham fought back thanks, as she put it, to an incredibly thoughtful bank manager and Government help through Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency. "I even spoke to Tony Blair on the radio at the time of the foot-and-mouth outbreak, and explained the plight I was in, and as a result he sent Yorkshire Forward staff to see me."

Now, with her three letting bedrooms all tastefully upgraded and the rest of the historic pub and its 140-seat dining rooms revamped, prospects are looking good for the summer season, she said.

Tourists have returned, some even from as far as California and Trinidad, as well as from other parts of Britain and Europe, to walk the miles of country lanes and moors around Farndale.

In the next few weeks, Mrs Debenham will undertake what she describes as her most daring challenge yet - a 13,500 ft parachute jump to raise money for the Weston Spirit Charity set up by Falklands War veteran Simon Weston to help deprived children.

"I offered to do it on the spur of the moment and I'm hoping to raise about £2,000," she said.

In just a week, she has already collected £500.

Friends and villagers are rallying round, and a barbecue is planned for next month to boost sponsorship.

"I am so grateful for all the help and support I have had in the last two years. It has been an unbelievably traumatic time, but I have now turned down the corner in all respects. People who weren't able to come to Farndale because of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak have returned and I have found a lot of new tourists coming to Farndale. It's been really encouraging".

Just a meadow and cart-track away at the Daffy Cafe - named after Farndale's legendry wild daffodils - is the Loggie family who have also seen walkers and cyclists returning in force, especially at weekends.

They, too, have reason to celebrate, for George Loggie's wife recently gave birth to a new baby.

"People are now returning to Farndale," he said. "We had a splendid daffodil season and we are hoping walkers and cyclists will be here in good numbers in the next few months."

The family run the cafe at their cottage and in its garden, many people calling making their way across the criss-crossing public rights of way, one of which runs alongside the Daffy Cafe.

Further information contact, the Feversham Arms on 01751 433206 and Daffy Cafe on 01751 430363.