CAMPAIGNING dairy farmer Mr Bert Langthorne is preparing to take the government to court.

If successful, his action could open the door for other farmers to claim millions of pounds in compensation.

Mr Langthorne, pictured left, has joined forces with Lancashire milk producer, Mr Bill Uttley, to seek recompense for government interference in the dairy industry.

They claim government meddling with Milk Marque's selling system led directly to a disastrous 9p a litre drop in the price farmers received for their milk.

As such, they believe it amounted to discrimination against individual farmers and was in breach of European law.

Mr Langthorne, of Crawford Grange, Brompton, near Northallerton, and Mr Uttley have so far jointly spent £12,000 pursuing the case.

Early indications are promising and counsel's opinion is now being sought.

Meanwhile a fighting fund is being set up with an appeal to fellow dairy farmers to contribute if needed in the future.

"We believe we have been financially discriminated against as individuals and as such believe we have a good chance," said Mr Langthorne. "It is all about the rights of the individual."

It is that, they believe, which makes their case different from any previous attempts by organisations to sue.

They have also been told that there have been several legal precedents to suggest they have a good case, including the SLOM quota claimants.

"If we can prove this case, we believe there are other areas where the government has interfered and which need looking at for compensation," said Mr Langthorne.

He believes the reduced prices paid to farmers mean the producer is, in effect, subsidising the housewife with cheap food.

"Five years ago we received 24p or 25p a litre for milk, now it is between 17p and 19p a litre," he said. "But the price has not fallen for the housewife and that is why I say it is we who are subsidising her and that is not fair."

Any farmers wishing to know more about the case should contact Mr Uttley on 01706 360382