ORGANISERS of an appeal to provide feed and bedding for flood-hit Somerset farmers have changed the collection date to Tuesday, March 11.

The change is at the request of their contacts in Somerset but will still take place at Church Quarry, Aycliffe Village, at 10am.

Tim Sedgewick of Ricknall Grange Farm, Aycliffe; Henry Hutchinson of Red Gap Farm, near Wynyard; and Ben Layfield of Holland Hall Farm, Willington, joined forces to co-ordinate the collection of much-needed livestock forage and bedding and have asked farmers and hauliers throughout County Durham and North Yorkshire for assistance.

A range of companies including Tesco and Armstrong Richardson Agri have offered to transport any donated fodder and straw to Sedgemoor Auction Market where the NFU South West is distributing it to those farmers that badly need it to keep their livestock going.

Mr Sedgewick said: “We hope all the people who have donated thus far are able to do the new date. Henry, Ben and myself have been overwhelmed by the support shown by the north east farming community for their Somerset counterparts.

“They are all extremely grateful for the on-going support and have asked me to pass on their sincerest thanks. The donations really are making a huge difference to the situation on the ground for livestock farmers.

“Morale amongst the farmers in the south west is being boosted by the collective spirit being shown throughout the country.

They have advised that small conventional bales are becoming difficult to handle when delivered.”

Anyone wishing to donate bales of hay, haylage, straw or silage at Church Quarry on Tuesday, March 11, can call Tim Sedgewick (07766 104999), Henry Hutchinson (07821 422922) or Ben Layfield (07917 611483) so transport can be organised.

Donations can also be made at: fcn.org.uk or call 0845 367 9990; addingtonfund.org.uk ; rabi.org.uk or the Somerset Community Foundation emergency flood relief fund; the Royal Bath & West Society have set up The Somerset Levels Relief Fund towards dredging in the area.

Donate on 01749 822200 or through their Just Giving page.