THE Community Fund, formerly known as the National Lottery Charities Board, has made a three-year grant of £339,954 to the farmers charity Royal Agricultural Benevolent Fund.

The money will be used in part to pay the salaries of four workers who will be recruited to deal with applications for financial assistance.

"Farmers and their families have had a tough time over the last few years," said Community Fund chairwoman Diana Brittan. "Our grant will give hope to farmers who have lost their livelihoods or who have large business debts to get the financial help they so desperately need."

Updated: 10:26 Thursday, August 16, 2001