THE Three Counties Agricultural Society handed over £15,000 to the Rural Stress Initiative this week to help those hit by foot and mouth.

The money was raised by the Stress in the Countryside Appeal, launched in April by the society in association with the Malvern Gazette & Ledbury Reporter and its sister Newsquest Midlands titles, the Worcester Evening News and Berrow's Worcester Journal.

The money, given to agricultural chaplains from Herefordshire, Worcester-shire and Gloucestershire, is made up of donations, pledges and the proceeds of fundraising activities. The total currently stands at £37,000.

TCAS chief executive Chris Milne said: "The appeal called on those unaffected by the crisis and we have been truly heartened by the generosity of people - many of whom have no connection with agriculture - wanting to help the rural community at a time of genuine need. The impact of the epidemic will be felt for some time yet and I would urge people to continue their support."

Rod Waugh, Worcester-shire co-ordinator for the Rural Stress Initiative, said: "All the money we're given goes towards farmers and members of the rural community, and we do not take any ourselves to cover administrative costs".

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