A TEESDALE youth hostel, which has lost 65pc of its trade this year due to the knock on effects of foot-and-mouth disease, has begun to fight back.

Mr Ewan Boyd, who manages the hostel at Langdon Beck, said despite the problems, he was determined that something better would come out of the crisis. He voiced concerns earlier this year that visitors would not return to Teesdale as quickly as they would to the Lake District, as it was not as well-known.

But the lack of visitors had shown how important tourism income was to Teesdale.

"If we get things right for the future there is a great opportunity to get tourism and farming working much more closely together for everyone's benefit," said Mr Boyd.

Work was already under way at the hostel to develop a new environmental theme.

The YHA's twin track strategy at Langdon Beck is to develop the green theme as well as to educate visitors about the local area and encourage links between visitors and farmers. Earlier this year the hostel received a £1,000 grant from Teesdale District Council to install demonstration wind and solar power systems, a computerised weather station and a range of activities for visiting groups and families.

Despite the Youth Hostels' Association's financial situation after FMD - it anticipates a £5m loss this year - it is hoped that further environmental plans at Langdon Beck can proceed next year. An appeal for £3,500 for a solar hot water system has already brought in £450, including a donation from Glaxo Smith Kline, while the results of applications for grants totalling £15,000 are eagerly awaited.

"Whatever happens we are not giving up," reiterated Mr Boyd. "We are now more certain than ever that environmental education is the best way forward for Langdon Beck hostel."