PRIME Minister Tony Blair said that Ministers should be seen to be visiting the countryside during the Easter recess.

Employment Minister Tessa Jowell visited Witley Court in Worcestershire over the weekend, but most of Worcestershire's MPs said they were staying put during the two-week break.

Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff said that he would be staying in the county during the holiday as he was dealing with foot-and-mouth issues.

"In fact the crisis has cost me my English holiday as I was supposed to go to Cornwall at the end of May, but I'll be campaigning for the election instead," said Mr Luff.

Sir Michael Spicer, the Conservative MP for West Worcestershire, said he was also staying put.

"My family are all here so I don't need to go away," said Sir Michael.

"We may well go out to the many tourist attractions in Worcestershire, certainly to the garden centres."

Worcester MP Mike Foster said he would take his children to Legoland in Windsor and to Warwick Castle this week.

"The Government isn't saying to people, you must visit the countryside, as that would be nonsense," he said.

"But it is sending out the message to people who normally go to rural locations, that they should continue to do so."

Emergency line

THE National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux has launched an emergency free-phone telephone number for those in the rural community needing urgent financial advice.

The number is 0800 1381647 and is open from 1 to 8pm Monday to Friday.