THE Three Counties Agricultural Society has closed its Stress in the Countryside Appeal, set up last year to help rural businesses affected by foot and mouth.

The appeal, which was backed by the Malvern Gazette & Ledbury Reporter, has raised £55,000 from fundraising events and donations since last June. The money provided a helpline and financial assistance to those directly dependent on agriculture.

Three Counties chief executive Chris Milne said: "The generosity of those unaffected by the outbreak has been amazing, donations have been pouring in from the public. By the end of the first week, we had raised £3,000,

"Even those who have been touched by the epidemic have contributed to help those suffering to a greater degree. That rural communities should pull together at such a traumatic time is hopefully of some comfort to those worst hit and for whom the crisis continues."

The funds were distributed through the Rural Stress Networks in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, and through Gloucestershire Farming Friends.