FARMERS who joined a computer course in the wake of the foot-and-mouth crisis have not only acquired new skills, but also new slants on farming and country life.

After spending half-a-day a week for the past six months in Northallerton College's training and learning department, the group of 20 can use a computer with confidence and are finding new uses for their skills.

Many are putting their farm's accounts, animal records - including cattle identification - and other information on to computer.

Others are working online to claim grants and subsidies, while a farmer at Brompton is creating spreadsheets and his own business stationery by computer.

But the uses go even further, affecting country life in general.

One farmer's wife involved in a "rural watch" group, keeps in touch with members and circulates warnings and information by computer.

And two others are using their new skills to organise the Sinderby and District Show.

Course tutor Mark Bonney said: "On a personal level, one of the group has got a better job because of her skills, and several are tracing old schoolfriends on the Internet."

The course they have been following is funded by Lantra, a government-sponsored body which helps land-based industries.

The course meets on a Thursday during the day, but arrangements are now being made to run a similar course on a Monday evening.

Anyone interested can contact Lynn Wild on (01609) 780505.