THE North West Development Agency (NWDA) today welcome the Prince of Wales's intervention in support of rural communities hit by foot and mouth.

Speaking at St James's Palace, the Prince urged more than 200 business leaders to help in his personal crusade to save rural Britain and revive rural communities.

Since the outbreak of the disease the NWDA has been working to ensure that help is made available to those who have been affected as quickly as possible.

John Dunning, NWDA board member for rural affairs said: "The rural crisis highlights the need to build a stronger, more broadly based rural economy.

"The intervention of his Royal Highness brings to this task the skills and energy of business leaders who are the best placed of anyone to meet this challenge.

"The NWDA will be working with community businesses to build upon the close working relationships we have with business leaders in the north west to rebuild our region's stricken rural economy."