AN event is being held to help the region's businesses find their feet after the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Business Link County Durham, a division of A4E Consulting, is providing a lifeline for businesses affected by the outbreak at the event, called Come Together, at Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland, next Wednesday, July 18.

Organised by development agency One NorthEast and the North East Chamber of Commerce, it runs from 10am until 8pm.

It will feature advice and support agencies and other businesses providing help. These will include the National Farmers Union, Defra, the banks and grant agencies.

Throughout the day, there will be a programme of seminars, covering topics including diversification, marketing, finance and agriculture.

Jayne Graham, managing director of Business Link County Durham, said: "The free event is designed to provide support for businesses that have been affected by the foot-and-mouth crisis.

"The rolling workshop programme will help people with the general issues, but there will also be a chance for businesses to make contacts that they can use again after the event."

She said: "The fact it runs from 10am to 8pm, means there will be opportunity for businesses to attend when they want to, allowing even the smallest one-man business to attend at some point during the day."

For further details ,contact Business Link County Durham on 0191-374 4000.