A FUND set up to help farmers in the north of England suffering as a result of the foot and mouth crisis has been given a big boost as a result of an auction of promises organisers by members of the Middleton Hunt.

A cheque for £6,250 was handed over to the Yorkshire Agricultural Society after the event, held at the home of Lord and Lady Halifax, which was attended by about 500 members of the hunt.

Joint Master Frank Houghton-Brown said: "We have seen first hand the suffering and despair caused by the foot and mouth crisis.

"Farming and hunting are inextricably linked and we want to do all we can to help alleviate the problems farmers are facing."

Updated: 08:49 Thursday, July 26, 2001