THE new chairman of a rural advisory body has pledged it will do everything in its power to aid the recovery of the local economy and maintain support to those affected by the foot and mouth outbreak.

At a recent meeting of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Advisory Committee, newly-appointed chairman, County Councillor Tim Ormerod, said: "This is a challenging time for the advisory committee to do what is in its power to promote sustainable management and aid the recovery of the rural economy.

"The advisory committee is continuing financial and other support through its annual programmes."

His move comes after the Ribble Valley suffered its most devastating period with the foot and mouth outbreak, the last case of which was at Bellman Farm, Worston, in July. Nearly 40 farms throughout East Lancashire were affected by the disease.

AONB's were set up by the government in 1949 to protect identified areas of natural beauty for future generations, and the Forest of Bowland AONB was established in 1964.

They are run by the Countryside Agency and its day-to-day activities take place through a wide range of public, private and voluntary organisations.

Funding comes from the county's Joint Advisory Committe, which incorporates all district and borough councils, and, throuhg grants and contributions from a number of agencies including the Countryside Agency and United Utilities, and is currently submitting a bid for grant aid from the Countryside Agency to meet it's new obligations under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, and will conduct an internal review to ensure best arrangements for management.

Members heard that the Forest of Bowland AONB is to be the focus of discussion at the National Association for AONB's annual conference to be held at Lancaster University in July 2002.