Firms in line for share of £24m aid

Rural affairs minister Margaret Beckett has pledged the extra cash to the parts of the country which have been worst hit by the disease.

The news comes as York-based train operator GNER stages a pre-Christmas fightback, offering travel anywhere in the country for as little as £10.

The Government cash follows the publication of Lord Haskins' report into the effects of the disease. Mrs Beckett said £14 million of the total would come directly from the Government. Some £10 million will come from Regional Development Agency funds.

Officials have not yet announced how much each individual area of the country will receive.

North Yorkshire County Council has welcomed the report, with chief executive Jeremy Walker adding: "We will now work to secure as much benefit as possible for businesses affected by the disease."

But Ryedale MP John Greenway questioned the Government's announcement, saying: "We need to get clarification of exactly where this money is going.

"But under no circumstances should we be thrilled by this amount. It is less than the £40m Lord Haskins asked for and only £14m is new money."

Meanwhile, travel anywhere in the country will be available for as little as £10 as GNER seeks to get people back on the railways after a bad year. The Evening Press has learned that the York-based train operator is to bring in the offer from mid-November

GNER today opened its reservations system for advance bookings for the Christmas and New Year period. For more details, ring 08457 225 225.

The York Tourism Bureau is today playing host to a group of influential U.S. travel agents in a bid to woo back visitors from the States. Another group of seven U.S travel agents will arrive in York on Friday, November 2.

Gillian Cruddas, Chief Executive of the York Tourism Bureau, said: "By getting so many agents to visit, we have been able to give our overseas agents the greatest confidence in selling York."

Updated: 10:15 Friday, October 19, 2001