THE Yorkshire Agricultural Society's Farmers' Fund has now raised more than £m to help those in the region who are suffering as a result of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

A total of £251,593 has been given to three charities to distribute - the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, Farm Crisis Network and the Samaritans.

The fund was established specifically to help the rural community in Yorkshire and the North.

Mr Nigel Pulling, YAS head of finance, said: "The support we have received has been tremendous but, with the escalation of foot-and-mouth in Yorkshire, support for the fund is needed more than ever.

"The devastating affects of the crisis are now on our doorstep so I would urge anyone who can help, to do so. This crisis is still very much with us, and will be for a long time yet."

The society started the fund off with £50,000 following its launch in March. Since then, support has come from many organisations, individuals and community groups from across the country, and even some from abroad.