THE Newton Rigg Society (NRS) has presented a cheque for £2,200 to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).

The funds were raised at the annual NRS dinner where vice chairman Fiona Kidd and committee member John Rigg had gathered numerous auction promises and raffle prizes which included donations of fishing and shooting days as well as a labourer for the day and special evening meals.

The money will go towards helping farming families in Cumbria. To date RABI has spent£82,000 supporting those farmers affected by December's floods and over £60,000 of this has gone to Cumbria. This is in addition to the regular grants that go to RABI's long term beneficiaries in the county.

Georgina Lamb, RABI's North West regional officer, said: "Farmers are very stoic, but we’re keen to encourage those needing help to come forward, they say pride is very expensive and you can’t negotiate with Mother Nature. As productivity is reduced and the realisation really kicks in, we are expecting to hear from a lot more farmers in the coming weeks."

Trevor Wilson, chairman of NRS, said: "The work done by RABI is well known in farming circles, that is why we had such an overwhelming response to our small fundraiser, had we anticipated what was to come I think we would have raised more.

"I would urge any farmer in need of help to contact RABI for support – what they do is 100 per cent confidential and those who have received help have found it very beneficial."

For more details about the Society contact secretary Chris Mountain on 01228 576738.