THIRSK MP Kevin Hollinrake met upland farmers to hear their concerns over Government land stewardship schemes.

The meeting was hosted by Laskill farmer Dennis Easton and involved North York Moors farmers who say many of the conditions of stewardship schemes cause major disruption and cost to their business.

Stewardship schemes are designed to help farmers by offering cash for projects such as hedgerow protection but Mr Easton said farmers must be properly compensated for the work they do.

He added: "If the Government get these steward schemes wrong, the next generation will not be able to afford to stay farming in this valley."

Mr Hollinrake said he took away many points to follow up and wants to continue working with farmers.