FARMERS and landowners in the North-East will be able to benefit from the strengthening of a team dealing with conservation.

Colin Hedley, who works for the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG), has been appointed advisor to the Country Land And Business Association (CLA).

CLA North-East regional director Antony Haslam said: "The CLA has had a long working relationship with FWAG, and we have expectations of his role with us.

"He stays with FWAG for two days a week as senior farm conservation advisor, benefiting both organisations in the future."

Mr Hedley, who has ten years' practical experience of both conservation and farming, farms part-time in Hampshire