A major high street bank has announced a further package of measures designed to help customers whose businesses have been hit by the foot and mouth outbreak.

The package is being put forward by Barclays Bank and includes a donation of £1m to help promote rural economic regeneration, an extension of the existing loan break term until August 31 and a range of support options to help businesses back to health over the medium and long term.

David Roberts, chief executive of Business Banking, Barclays, said: "Our objective, through the provision of advice and flexible funding solutions, is to do all that we can to be there for our customers at this difficult time.

"We have high hopes that the majority of our customers, who had viable businesses before the outbreak, but are suffering difficulties now, will return to full business health in the medium term.

"We wanted to make an additional contribution to the regeneration of the rural communities where our employees and customers live and work.

"I believe that there is huge drive and creativity within these communities and that, with the right financial support, the areas of the rural economy which have suffered as a result directly or indirectly of foot and mouth can be rebuilt."

Updated: 13:26 Thursday, April 19, 2001