A service has been launched to help farmers prepare their paperwork before they are visited by an inspector.

With a one in 20 chance of being inspected, farmers can face hefty fines if they fall foul of requirements.

Now the North Yorkshire Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) is offering an environmental health check.

For £175 the service includes a half-day visit by a farm conservation advisor, who will check to see if all farm records are present and correct.

They will also ensure farmers are aware of their responsibilities under cross-compliance and other regulations, and deal with any specific issues raised.

Phil Lyth, senior farm conservation advisor with North Yorkshire FWAG, said: "Most farmers have the paperwork, but many of them don't have it to hand.

"We go through everything and make sure all the records are complete and the farmer has all the right books for when the inspector visits.

"We also cover environmental schemes, waste regulations and nitrogen vulnerable zones."

One farmer who signed up is Kate Smith, who has 99 hectares of grassland and arable at Ripley, near Harrogate.

The farm has 100 cattle, 150 lambing ewes and 14 hectares of mixed corn for home feed. The farm also hosts up to 14 school visits a year.

Ms Smith said: "The visit helped me to get my records straight. I'd be surprised if there are any farmers who have all their paperwork completely organised - it's a complete minefield and very difficult to fit in with the day-to-day practical job of farming.

"The visit helped me ensure I was doing the right thing with my field margins for both the Entry Level Scheme and cross-compliance."

Interested farmers can contact FWAG on 01609-783632.