A BANK has signalled its support for rural regeneration with a donation to a holiday firm.

Barclays has awarded £5,280 to the Durham and Its Dales Farm Holiday Group from its £1m rural regeneration fund, set up in April 2001 in response to the foot-and-mouth crisis.

The donation will help the group, part of Farm Stay UK, market itself on the Internet by setting up a website, and provide computer training for members.

David Edwards, area director of agricultural banking for County Durham, said: "We are delighted to be able to support the Durham and Its Dales Farm Holiday Group from our rural regeneration fund.

"The group suffered when it had to close for seven months due to the foot-and-mouth outbreak, so being able to market itself more widely will help it stage a full recovery."