The North York Moors National Park Authority has successfully negotiated £100k from Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, to promote environmentally friendly improvement schemes carried out by farmers hit by foot and mouth disease.

The grants will pay for up to 70% of costs of hedging, walling, river management, weeding, new native tree plantings and mowing of grass areas in villages where stock have been excluded.

Funding will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and applicants are encouraged to act quickly in taking up the offer. Contact the National Park Authority on 01439 770657 for more details.

Meanwhile, there has not been a new case of FMD confirmed in the UK since September 30, by far the longest clear run since February.