OKEHAMPTON Times owner Sir Ray Tindle is offering a big helping hand to small businesses badly hurt by the effects of the foot and mouth crisis.

Sir Ray, proprietor of Tindle Newspapers, is to make available a total of up to £250,000 for interest-free loans in the areas served by his newspapers.

The money is for those requiring immediate assistance to make ends meet — the generous offer has been made as many of the newspapers within Sir Ray's company are in areas where the disease has

broken out.

He said: 'The Government is to make substantial sums available to assist farmers in trouble as a result of the current tragic foot and mouth disease outbreak. Our thanks to all concerned.

'In our circulation areas there will be those small, independent and old-established family businesses — as this newspaper is — who are badly hit on a personal level but are not covered by these Government pay-outs.

'And even those who are covered may have an immediate problem which rears its head and brings disaster before official cash can be made available.'

Sir Ray said he was aware of the ripple effect of the crisis having hit a range of industries from haulage firms to hotels with small to medium-sized businesses feeling the effects strongest.

'These people are our readers. We must do all we can to help them. No-one knows at this stage how far the problem will spread, but I'm sure many people will do their best to help.

'I have decided to make available up to £250,000 for interest-free loans — where banks cannot help — or outright grants in cases of extreme hardship.'

Any business wishing to take up the offer should contact the Times general manager, Lyn Roberts, at 42 Brook Street, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 OHE. Telephone 01822 613666 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected] — applicants can be assured that strict confidentiality will be observed.

Sir Ray added: 'No time will be lost in giving a response — the whole point is to help now.'