A TOWN planner has set up a pioneering new scheme aimed at helping farmers and landowners hit by the foot and mouth crisis.

Alison Roland, a chartered town planner, is a one-woman business dedicated to providing a comprehensive planning consultancy service across rural Lancashire.

The main thrust of the business is helping farmers and landowners, in particular those hit by the foot and mouth disease, diversify their business.

Alison said: "This is a crucial time for farmers who have been hard hit by foot and mouth disease and the decline of the rural economy.

"A large part of my work involves helping farmers diversify and find alternative sources of income from their buildings and land."