Plans for a new advice and support system for stressed-out farmers were being outlined at public meetings in the Ryedale and Selby districts this week.

North Yorkshire County Council is working with farming industry leaders and organisations such as Business Link to draw up bids for up to £7m in funding for the new system.

Ideas under consideration include:

a new system of business advice for Business Link;

a telephone hotline for information;

specific help to develop new sources of income, and;

assistance with stress issues.

David Collier, senior technical adviser with the National Farmers' Union, said: "The industry wholly supports these proposals and is working closely with the county council and Business Link."

He added: "The intention is that the experience gained from providing business advice to farms in the Moors and Dales will then be applied throughout the county."

The first opportunity to bid for resources is through the Single Regeneration Budget, managed by Yorkshire Forward, the Regional Development Agency for Yorkshire and the Humber. The county council, which is working with district councils and other agencies, says it is already well ahead in putting together a bid in time for the deadline of May 19.