DONATIONS are pouring in to the Stress in the Countryside Appeal launched in the Evening News.

More than £2,000 has been given by generous readers to help farmers and rural businesses hit by foot-and-mouth disease.

The appeal was launched last week in conjunction with the Three Counties Agricultural Society and the Rural Stress Information Network.

Any money donated will go directly to those who need it within Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.

The fund has been boosted by Barclays Agricultural Banking, which has donated £1,500.

"We're eight weeks into the crisis and there's going to be many more weeks before farmers can get out of the turmoil," said John Farrell, Barclays Agricultural Banking manager for Worcestershire.

"We're aware that it knocks on into anybody involved in the countryside.

"The longer-term effects could be with us for many months, which is why we've made this donation."

Richard Jordan, the chairman of Worcestershire NFU, says that any donation will be welcomed.

"There are farmers who haven't had any income for seven weeks now," said Mr Jordan.

"Hopefully, we can encourage all of the banks to follow Barclays' lead.

"It's a demonstration of faith in the farming community.

"People are in desperate times so any donation is good news."

There have been no new cases of foot-and-mouth disease in Herefordshire or Worcestershire since last Friday, April 13.

But this does not mean that farmers are beginning to recover, says the chief executive of the Three Counties Agricultural Society.

"People might think a weekend without foot-and-mouth means it's all over," said Chris Milne.

"The Government reckons there could be cases through to the end of June.

"We hope that as people return from their holidays they'll remember the people in the countryside who need help.

"It's more than just farmers, it's people who are running other businesses as well."

You can make your donation by filling in the coupon.