IT has been a tough few months for many youngsters in West Devon whose farms have been hit by foot and mouth.
But now the Times is aiming to cheer them up by treating them to a fun-packed day out at the circus.
The Times is to take a coachload of the youngsters to Circus Starr in Plymouth's Central Park next Sunday, June 3.
The thrilling spectacle with acts from all over Europe includes clowns, high-wire artists, acrobats and many more.
Times owner Sir Ray Tindle and managing director Brian Doel said: 'The past few months have been very worrying 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.
'It should be a great day out for all concerned.'
Pam Colton, the wife of a farmer hit by foot and mouth restrictions, who runs Colt Bus at Yelverton, has agreed to provide the coach for the day.
Simon Whattler, secretary of Okehampton and Hatherleigh NFU, said 230 leaflets had been sent to the full farming members of the branch giving details of the offer.
He 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 Circus Starr show is in aid of HeartSWell which raises funds for a lodge for heart patients at Derriford Hospital.