WORCESTERSHIRE farmers have given a boost to those in the industry in need, hardship or distress.

A £11,500 charity cheque was presented to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) at Worcestershire NFU’s annual meeting at the YFC Centre, Hawford, Worcester.

The money was raised following a series of events and donations over the past year and farmer Andrew Baxter, of Pirton and David Glover, who farms at Frankley, handed the cheque to Kate Jones, West Midlands RABI regional manager.

Funds were raised following the NFU annual charity dinner and auction, a farmhouse breakfast event, a Jubilee beacon fund-raiser and individual donations.

Agricultural merchant Steve Morris also raised £3,000 by taking part in the Great North Run and over the last decade he has helped the charity raise around £30,000.

Mr Baxter, NFU Worcestershire vice-chairman, said: “I would like to take this occasion to thank everyone on the RABI committee in Worcestershire who do a lot of work quietly in the background.

“We have put on a lot of functions to raise funds and it is needed, with everything that is happening in the industry in Worcestershire.”

Mrs Jones thanked farmers for their efforts on behalf of the charity and said that last year they helped 31 people in the county, aged up to 85, spending just short of £40,000.

The money helps with household bills and pays for mobile scooters, access ramps, stair lifts and other items for those within the farming industry in difficulty.

She added: “We have also supported working farmers, those who have had accidents or illness, to help with a relief worker to alleviate some of the hardship being faced.”

To organise a fund-raising event or to call on behalf of someone who needs help speak to Mrs Jones on 01743 892892 or go to rabi.org.uk