Mental health experts are creating an internet website to help the district's struggling farmers cope with stress.

The Department of Healthcare Psychology at Airedale General Hospital has been awarded £4,000 to offer on-line advice about health worries resulting from the decline in the farming industry.

Funded by the Rural Support Initiatives Fund, the project is co-ordinated by the Rural Stress Information Network (RSIN) and aims to tackle problems from sleeping difficulties and isolation to financial hardship and unemployment.

RSIN project worker Jackie Clay said the website would be particularly helpful in light of the ongoing foot-and-mouth crisis.

She said: "One of the major problems is that farmers are not accustomed to going to the doctor. There is a reticence within the farming community to tackle problems and the website is a very good way for them to find out what they can do.

"One of the key mental health issues is isolation and right now, many farmers cannot go anywhere with the movement restrictions in place. Often their only contact is at markets, but that has been removed. People are just watching and waiting, feeling there's nothing they can do."

Last year, a survey revealed one in ten tenant farmers were considered to be in need of anti-depressants.

Ninety per cent of farmers have seen their income drop during the last five years, with average earnings now standing at less than £8,000 a year.

Health workers from Airedale General Hospital are currently consulting farmers and organisations to identify local problems and needs. The website will include practical advice on coping with stress as well as information about resources.

John Gullett from the West Riding branch of the National Farmers' Union today warned that the next few weeks would be particularly hard for farmers.

He said: "A lot of people are now running out of winter fodder, room for animals and cash.

"The website sounds like a good idea because it will be there to help people in trouble. I don't think farmers do access help and I'm just as guilty as others in that respect. They are used to being by themselves - it's a natural part of their job, so they try to soldier on as long as they can."

Herd owner Richard Sutcliffe of Bobby Green Farm - the first in the district to be hit with foot and mouth, also welcomed the plans.

He said: "We're still reeling from what has happened. If you are in a difficult position, you don't know who to ring for help. I think the website sounds a good idea. A lot of farmers have computers now, although we don't."