THE deadline for the new Yorkshire Dales Hill Farm Apprentice Scheme has been put back to January 31.

A combination of the Christmas holidays and severe winter weather is believed to have resulted in fewer inquiries than anticipated.

Launched by the Yorkshire Dales Farmer Network, the scheme will train eight people aged 18 and over on a two-year course on hill farms in a local dale.

Askham Bryan College, near York, has been selected to help run the course and can now accept candidates with the right experience with GCSE grades below grade C.

Anyone interested is asked to contact Kath Jackson on 07814-048190 or the Network office on 01768-868615.