West Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett is pressing the Government to match the 'generous' offer made by the publisher of the Tavistock and Okehampton Times, Sir Ray Tindle.

Sir Ray has made £250,000 available for interest free loans to those directly affected by the foot and mouth crisis — an offer which has already received many applications for help.

Mr Burnett said: 'I have put in an amendment to an Early Day Motion, in the House of Commons, congratulating Sir Ray Tindle on his decision to establish a fund to assist rural farms and businesses damaged by the foot and mouth crisis, and I have urged the Government to match Sir Ray's generosity.'