FARMERS aiming to rebuild their lives after the misery of foot-and-mouth have been offered a new source of income - as lorry drivers.

Driver Hire Nationwide, a franchise organisation supplying staff to the transport and distribution industries, made its debut at the Great Yorkshire Show this year.

It has turned to the agricultural industry to try to remedy a national shortage of qualified drivers by recruiting farmers and farm workers.

Chief executive John Bussey said: "Due to the nature of their work, farmers and farm workers often have the kind of driving skills we need, and we can provide training for anyone who does not possess the necessary qualifications.

"Farm work is also seasonal and many workers find themselves with reduced levels of employment at certain times of the year."