LOCAL farmers will be able to spread more than manure thanks to a Thirsk-based organisation.

The Ridings Machinery Ring, which enables farmers to spread their costs by sharing skills, equipment and time, is to expand its membership, thanks to a £122,000 Rural Enterprise Scheme grant from Defra.

The 250 existing members trade throughout North Yorkshire, providing a full range of farming services and machinery, as well as extra help during busy times of the year.

The organisation can even help if a farmer wants to take a much-needed holiday.

Ben Gill, president of the National Farmers' Union, who farms near Easingwold, is among the members of the machinery ring.

The grant will run for three years, and enable the not-for-profit co-operative to actively recruit new members in North Yorkshire and to expand the range of services offered.

Peter Day, RMR's manager, who brokers agreements between members said: "Given the changes which are happening in farming, we felt that the ring needed to increase its membership to enable us to help farmers make the best use of their time and assets.

"With the extra funding, we will actively assess the needs of individual farmers."