GENEROUS Evening News readers have helped boost the total of the Stress in the Countryside Appeal to £5,000.
The appeal, which has been launched by the Three Counties Agricultural Society (TCAS) and the Rural Stress Information Network, will help anyone suffering financially due to the foot-and-mouth crisis.
The money will be distributed to desperate farmers and rural businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, so anyone who makes a donation will know that the money will stay local.
Appeal organisers are urging readers to dig deep.
"Donations continue to come in every day," said Sharon Gilbert of TCAS.
"The response to date has been excellent, and we are busy planning a series of fund-raising activities, which we hope will boost the coffers considerably.
"Although the pace of foot and mouth appears to be slowing, the aftermath is frightening, and many rural businesses in the area are struggling to maintain their livelihoods.
"Thanks to the generosity of readers, those who have been worst hit will receive the financial assistance they so desperately need."
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