FARMERS who are still coping with the aftermath of the foot-and-mouth crisis can now get help towards regeneration from a rural development officer.

Bob Baker has been appointed by The Churches Regional Commission for Yorkshire and the Humber to offer support to rural communities in Swaledale, Wensleydale and Arkengarthdale.

The project, which has been created through a partnership with the Farm Crisis Network, will be based in Leyburn.

Mr Baker will work alongside farmers and their families, helping to point them towards other avenues of support and financial assistance.

Howard Petch, chairman of the Yorkshire branch of the Farm Crisis Network and vice-chairman of the Churches Regional Commission, said: "This is a time of unprecedented change within the rural community with particular emphasis on agricultural restructuring.

"Mr Baker's role aims to harness the advice and support available to improve the take-up of services for farm and rural business appraisal and development."

His appointment has been welcomed by David Maughan, who is chairman of the North Riding and Durham branch of the National Farmers Union.

Mr Maughan said: "It is good to see the church taking on a proactive role in rural affairs.

"Our own research clearly shows the industry has been in a marked decline for the last seven or eight years so we certainly wish Mr Baker well in his new role.''

Mr Baker's appointment follows the publication of the Churches Regional Commission's Sowing the Seed report, which provided a snapshot of the countryside during a period of significant change.

The survey established a need for churches - which often play a central role in rural communities - to spearhead the rejuvenation of the rural way of life.

Mr Baker was a farmer for 27 years and faced difficult decisions about his own business.

"A colleague helped me realise my own capabilities outside of farming which gave me the confidence to sell up and move into new areas at a time when, despite working longer hours, the business was in decline," he said.

Since then, Mr Baker has continued working as a consultant and councillor in the Hambleton district, although other members of his family remain in the farming industry.

Landowners or anyone else with a rural business who think Mr Baker may be able to help are asked to telephone the Churches Regional Commission office, in Leyburn, on (01969) 624724 for more information.