MR DAVID Maughan, a farmer from Morton Tinmouth who lost his stock as a contiguous contact, gave the seminar a first-hand view of the problems facing the countryside.

Mr Maughan, who is chairman of the NFU livestock committee for Durham and Northumberland, said a proper recovery programme was vital to the whole region following the culling of 140,000 stock.

Referring to a book about Teesdale personality Hannah Haux-well, he said it was going to be "too long a winter" for many.

He was a tenant farmer, like 35-40pc of farmers in County Durham. Their cashflow would be affected over the winter and it was a serious problem whether they would survive.

"The patient was in a serious condition, even before foot-and-mouth arrived," he told the delegates. "Dr Bridge referred to us now being 'on the radar screen'. We might be on the screen, but there is an Exocet missile heading for us."

Earlier speakers had alarmed him with their talk of EU subsidy cuts, but they must spread their sights to attract subsidies under the CAP 2 programme.

The England rural development programme was taking shape so they would have to look at what opportunities were available there, especially marketing schemes. While opportunities might present themselves, he was worried about many farmers facing difficulty in the short term. He would like to see the county council address those problems by going out into the countryside.

Farmers were often shy of bringing problems forward; he felt they needed a special team which could give advice over the kitchen table if necessary.

Mrs Ceri Mather, representing County Durham and Darlington health authority, said it was vital the department of health was made to understand how much had been spent on counselling services for farmers. Severe financial difficulties were arising as primary care service budgets were exhausted.

County Coun John Shuttleworth, who represents rural Weardale, agreed extra funding was needed for counselling and rural businesses. "I have had people on the telephone to me in tears," he said.

Mr Maughan, a former president of County Durham YFC federation, said: "The average age of farmers is 58 and we are not drawing young people into agriculture. Encouraging young people to remain in this sector is absolutely vital."

There was no funding to get under-30s into farming with starter units. That was one thing which could make a big impression.

Diversification was the buzzword but farmers must look at what they wanted to diversify into and see if they enjoyed doing it. If not, it was doomed to failure.

His hope for the immediate future was a roadshow to go round the dales, supported by people who knew what they were talking about. "That would be as good a thing as any for councillors to support in terms of funding."