FARMERS across the North-East are to benefit from training courses aimed at encouraging responsible practices.

The Arable Group (Tag) has been awarded £274,619 to run courses in five regions, including the North-East.

They will concentrate on helping farmers to use chemicals appropriately and be more environmentally friendly.

Educational workshops will look at herbicides, fungicides, nitrogen management and oil seed rape.

Dr Mike Carver, Tag managing director, said: "We are delighted to be able to continue with what has been a successful training programme to date."

Money for the scheme came from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

For further details, contact Tag on (01285) 652184, or visit www.thearablegroup.com