THE Government's aid package to help farmers has been criticised by East Lanc-ashire union leaders.

The package, estimated at £12.5million, falls short of losses of over £100million farmers have sustained after foot and mouth outbreaks.

National Farmers' Union county chairman and Gisburn farmer David Graveston slammed the amount allocated to farmers.

He said: "I'm absolutely astonished. I cannot put into words how disappointed I am in a Government that talks about partnership.

"They profess to be concerned about issues like global warming and climate change, all issues farming plays an integral part in providing a solution to. I expect my Government to show some integrity and put right what it has done wrong to our industry.

"With this package the Government has failed. Only delivering this amount, when at a conservative esti-mate this crisis has cost the farming industry £5million a day, is a disgrace.

"This is a derisory sum with a divisive nature."

Alistair Mackintosh, the NFU regional chairman, said he was worried about the North West farmers who'll receive nothing.

Mr Mackintosh estimates that hill farmers, who will receive extra cash via Hill Farm Allowance, will only receive £850 a holding.