A STEADY stream of donations has been pouring into the Stress in the Countryside Appeal since it was launched last week.

More than £3,000 has been received at the offices of the Three Counties Agricultural Society, ranging from modest amounts to a major gift of £1,500 from Barclays Agricultural Banking.

"I am quite optimistic with the response so far. There is a nice steady trickle of envelopes each day, with donations from £2.50 to £200, including lots of fivers and tenners," said the society's chief executive Chris Milne.

"Another company has promised £1,500, but I can't say who it is yet. We plan to continue with the appeal right through to our new summer show in August and we will be contacting a lot of business people and organisations."

The TCAS appeal was launched last week in association with the Malvern Gazette & Ledbury Reporter and sister titles in the Newsquest Midlands group, the Worcester Evening News and Berrows Worcester Journal.

"The need is ever increasing. All the money we receive will go direct to the Rural Stress Support Network to help those in need. No administration fees are being deducted, so every penny taken goes into the fund," said Mr Milne.

"The first donations will be handed over next week and will be allocated by post code, so all the money sent in by Worcestershire people will go to help Worcestershire people. The same goes for Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, where the appeal is being launched this week."

For extra convenience, it is now possible to make a pledge by telephone, quoting your credit card number. Call 01684 584900.