A SPECIAL help line has been set up by H M Customs and Excise to help rural businesses battling with the impact of foot and mouth. The number to call is (0845) 3000157, and not as previously stated.

FROM April 28, the MAFF Helpline, MAFF's general public enquiry point, will change its telephone number from (0645) 335577 to (08459) 335577. The other MAFF Helpline numbers remain unchanged and are:

Agricultural Wages Board, (0845) 0000134

BCMS (British Cattle Movement Service), (0845) 0501234

Foot and Mouth Helpline (England), (0845) 0504141

MAFF Census Forms Helpline, (01904) 455284

MAFF Publications, (08459) 556000

Pesticides Safety Directorate Information Unit, (01904) 455775

PETS Helpline, (0870) 2411710.

Updated: 09:26 Thursday, April 26, 2001