FARMERS are being offered the chance to apply for grant money to help them deal with some of the practical problems of the foot and mouth crisis.

The North York Moors National Park Authority has successfully negotiated £100,000 from Yorkshire Forward - the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Development Agency.

Farmers, landowners and parish councils within the park boundary are invited to apply for a share of the cash, said Peter Barfoot, head of advisory services for the park.

"The grants will pay for up to 70pc of the cost of hedging, walling, river management, weeding and mowing of grass areas where livestock has been excluded," he added.

For an application form, contact the national park authority on (01439) 770657. Funding is set to be allocated on a first come first served basis and applicants are encouraged to apply quickly.

"This money will be a welcome boost to land managers who, due to the restrictions in place, have not been able to tackle practical management problems," said Mr Barfoot.

"It will help them maintain the high quality environment for which the national park is renowned."

Updated: 09:29 Thursday, October 11, 2001