A GOVERNMENT minister travelled to the region yesterday to announce a £1.3m cash boost for the region's farming industry, which is still struggling after the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Life at Hawnby, North Yorkshire, was returning to normal yesterday, 24 hours after tests for a new outbreak of the disease proved negative.

Animal Health Minister Elliot Morley had more good news when he visited Hawes and Thirsk, in the county, yesterday.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is to invest £259,000 in a new abattoir in Bainbridge, Wensleydale, at the centre of a new partnership between local farms.

The centre will produce high-quality, locally-produced and traceable meat for local butchers, farmers' markets and farm shops, as well as major retailers around the country.

Meanwhile, another £154,000 Defra grant will be invested in Thirsk company Shepherd's Purse Cheese, which is planning expansion expected to create 25 new jobs.

"The grants will help two innovative local companies to expand and to make a greater contribution to the wider rural community," said Mr Morley, who also encouraged fresh initiatives launched to overcome the crisis.

l The Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust has secured another £200,000 from the Government agency Yorkshire Forward to help with the recovery after foot-and-mouth.

It will work with Richmondshire District Council, Skipton-based Craven District Council and the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on projects designed "to overcome the consequences of the epidemic".

Schemes include the restoration of rights of way neglected due to movement restrictions last year, work on community green spaces and walling and barn restoration.