RURAL folk are being asked to help lead the way back to recovery from the impact of foot and mouth disease.

"For the countryside to recover from this catastrophe, rural communities must lead the way. It is important to buy from the village shop, to visit the local pub, to eat in the local restaurant" said Dorothy Fairburn, Yorkshire regional director of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA).

"The best thing rural people can do is think local and act local. The rural economy needs a boost and the help of local people could make all the difference. Money spent locally benefits the whole community."

Updated: 08:59 Thursday, October 25, 2001