TELEVISION presenter John Craven is launching a programme to help rural businesses.

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society has developed the programme, called Growing Routes, to encourage agricultural enterprise and innovation in the Yorkshire region. John, presenter of BBC TV's Countryfile, will launch the initiative at the Great Yorkshire Showground on Tuesday.

Growing Routes aims to offer new direction to people trapped in farm businesses with declining income and dwindling prospects.

Updated: 09:16 Thursday, June 19, 2003