PRINCE Charles, who devotes much of his time to his Gloucestershire farm, expressed his sympathy with foot and mouth victims by announcing that his charities are to donate £500,000 to farmers whose lives have been shattered by the epidemic.

The Prince is well known for his charity work in the inner cities but this is believed to be his biggest ever grant to rural communities. He is said to be deeply concerned that the suicide rate amongst farmers - already one of the highest in the UK profession by profession - will be made even worse by the latest crisis.

In announcing the grant, he said: "There are many farming families who cannot even afford the pay the normal household bills."