FARMERS who have received foot-and-mouth compensation pay-outs are being warned to watch out for questionable investment offers.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is urging its members in the North-East and North Yorkshire to be cautious when offered investment deals for their pay-outs.

The CLA's North-East director, Antony Haslam, said: "Farmers are vulnerable at this time and have been through a lot of stress.

"Names and addresses of farmers who have suffered foot-and-mouth on their land, together with details of the stock culled, are freely available on the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs web site. The worry is that this information may be used to target farmers with all sorts of deals.

"Investment opportunities may not be what they seem because the stock market at the moment is a place for real experts.

"Even what were once regarded as safe investments are recording losses.

"The best thing any farmer can do these under these circumstances is to seek the advice of a membership organisation like the CLA. Do not part with money without talking to those you know and trust."

He said compensation was intended earmarked to pay off overdrafts and to replace stock.