IT has been a tough few months for many youngsters in West Devon whose farms have been hit by foot and mouth.
But Sir Ray Tindle brought some cheer into their lives by treating them to a fun-packed day at the circus.
Sir Ray, whose Tindle Newspapers group owns the Times, arranged for a coachload of the youngsters to go to the Circus Starr in Plymouth last Sunday.
Sir Ray said: 'The past few months have been worrying times for families on farms in the Tavistock and Okehampton areas.
'We felt it would be nice to bring a bit of cheer into the lives of youngsters by treating them to a day at the circus.'
Simon Whattler, secretary of Okehampton and Hatherleigh NFU, said: 'I am delighted that a local paper would make such a move to try and relieve some of the oppressive stress that has gone on in the last three months — it is very welcome.'
The thrilling Circus Starr show, with acts from all over Europe, included clowns, high-wire artistes, acrobats and many other attractions. The performance was in aid of HeartSWell which raises funds for a lodge for heart patients at Plymouth's Derriford Hospital.