A FIELDWORKER has been appointed to help rebuild young farmers clubs affected by the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak.

Karen Wasden, from Richmond, North Yorkshire, will work with clubs in the Eskdale district, which includes Stokesley, Loftus, Lythe, Whitby and Danby.

The clubs stopped operating during the outbreak.

The post is being funded by the Local Network Fund, a central government initiative that supports small voluntary and community groups working with children and young people.

Ms Wasden is a former member of Catterick Young Farmers' Club and has held nearly all the officer positions within her club and district.

She will help the clubs to re-build and will assist with programming, recruitment and officer training as well as helping develop skills such as communication and teamwork.

"I'm really looking forward to the challenge and helping the members of Eskdale District get back on their feet after the devastating effects of foot-and-mouth," she said. "I hope it will be a great year for Eskdale District."

Her first job will be to help the district organise a competitions day when members will compete against each other in a variety of competitions including stockjudging, cookery, crafts and Land Rover and tractor handling.