A TALK informing farmers of changes to subsidy payments opens tonight in a County Durham hotel.

Chartered surveyors George F White organised the three events following a successful conference attended by 300 people in Northumberland, last month.

Under Common Agricultural Policy reform, one single payment will replace ten major subsidy schemes.

The meetings will explain the impact of the changes on farmers and land owners.

They will be held tonight at Helem Park Hall Hotel, near Tow Law, tomorrow, at Three Wheat Heads, Thropton, Rothbury, and on Monday, February 21, at the Crossways Hotel, Thornley, in east Durham, all at 7.30pm.

The company's associate partner, Tom Oates, said: "The feedback from our presentation has been unbelievable.

"By taking a practical approach to the problems currently facing farmers, we aim to explain how this new system will work on the ground.

"It is clear from the response that we have had, that farmers are looking for assistance and we are hoping to achieve this in a practical manner."

Admission is free and a team of professionals will be on hand to answer specific questions. Contact Mr Oates on(01665) 603231.