A NETWORK set up to combat a hidden crisis in the countryside will be hoping for feedback at North Yorkshire's biggest agricultural show this week.

The Yorkshire Rural Initiative was launched a few years ago when farmers were struggling with the fall-out from the BSE crisis, which first hit the headlines in 1995.

The need for the service, set up specifically to battle the effects of stress and emotional trauma, was borne out when the floods of 2000 and the foot-and-mouth crisis of 2001 dealt a double blow which proved enough to force some farmers to quit.

As a result, development agency Yorkshire Forward agreed last year to cover the cost of a more permanent network, coordinated by a full-time worker.

Peter Triffitt, who took up the post earlier this year, accepts that traditions of stoicism among those battling to pick up the pieces will mean few farmers will be actively looking for help, choosing to suffer in silence instead.

But he is hoping some may take the opportunity to visit the Yorkshire Rural Support Network during the three-day Great Yorkshire Show, which opens in Harrogate tomorrow.

"Last year's foot-and-mouth crisis caused acute anxiety which, in a few cases, led to suicide," he said.

"However, stress is an issue which has been around in North Yorkshire for a long time.

"We aim to offer support, help to provide services and explore the best ways to help rural folk suffering from stress.

"Sources of help are available and we want to encourage people to seek them and to build cooperation between the supporting agencies.

"Rural people often don't like to call for help, nor admit their business is failing, while there are a number of pressures, not least the growing amount of paperwork.

"We want to reduce the stigma associated with stress and, in particular, the number of suicides and to encourage a positive attitude to change."

Other partners involved in the initiative, which also have more information about the project, include the National Farmers' Union, the Samaritans, the Country Land and Business Association, the Women's Institute, Citizens Advice Bureaux, the Church and the region's health trusts.

More details are also available by telephoning the Yorkshire Rural Community Council on (01904) 645271.