WENSLEYDALE farmers, whose livelihoods have been hit hard by foot-and-mouth disease, are to be offered expert advice during the recovery process.

The North Yorkshire Business Link organisation has teamed up with the farmers' Rejuvenate self-help group to offer the expertise of project officers, who can help with environmental projects and new business plans.

"The scheme should remove some of the uncertainty over the future, and help provide exit strategies for farmers whose businesses are no longer viable," spokesman Jim McRobert told a meeting of Richmondshire District Council's Foot-and-Mouth Working Group.

He said some farmers have sold no stock since February, which means their cash flow problems are now critical.

"The profitability of agriculture is absolutely desperate. A lot of farmers who have lost stock are facing difficult decisions about if, how and when to restock and with what," said Mr McRobert.

However, Rejuvenate is in touch with three large supermarket chains - Marks and Spencer, Morrison's and Sainsbury - in a bid to negotiate a new deal for the red meat industry.

The organisation has also been pressing agencies and organisations involved in the agriculture industry to work together to avoid duplication and confusion.

Mr McRobert said there is hope a first-stop shop can also be developed, possibly at the community office in Hawes, as a first point of contact for farmers and other businesses wanting information and advice on foot-and-mouth issues.

l The Yorkshire Dales could be on the brink of a financial boost in the wake of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

The Yorkshire Dales Joint Promotions Initiative has put in a bid for European money to help the with the recovery process - and a decision is expected within days.

If it is successful, the money will be invested in developing a Yorkshire Dales brand, which would help market the area as a holiday destination.

Richmondshire District Council's tourism officer, Pam Whittaker, told the authority's economic, cultural and leisure committee on Monday that a decision is expected on Monday, October 8. However, she also said a bid for £2,000 to help cover the cost of a district tourism strategy has been rejected by Yorkshire Forward