THE Stress in the Countryside Appeal, launched by the Evening News yesterday, has been welcomed by the Worcestershire NFU chairman.

Richard Jordan, who farms in Inkberrow, said that he was pleased to hear that something was being done locally.

"Farmers are very proud people, they don't like accepting charity," said Mr Jordan.

"But some of them are very desperate now.

"So long as its done in the right way, it will be of enormous benefit.

"A lot of people haven't had any sleep for the past few weeks. They were told the epidemic would slow down but it hasn't.

"The appeal will be good news for those who don't have any income."

People can donate to the appeal by filling out a coupon printed in yesterday's Evening News.

Money

All of the money will be distributed by the Rural Stress Information Network to local farmers and businesses which have been hit by the disease outbreak.

The appeal is being run in conjunction with the Three Counties Agricultural Society.