A MOBILE milking machine has been 'invented' by Joy McCarthy from Cronkshawfold Farm, Helmshore, to beat the foot and mouth crisis.

Her small working hill farm off Alden Road is usually open throughout the spring and summer months for educational visits by schools and organisations.

The foot and mouth crisis has forced her to keep the premises shut -- but undeterred she has made a mobile milking machine to go into schools.

She said: "I am offering any school in East Lancashire a visit by a mobile farm.

"I will take along chicks, laying hens, young hens and broilers. I will show them how to make butter and they can also have a go at 'milking' the cow."

Any school that Joy visits will be entitled to a discount off a farm trip once the crisis is over.

For more information contact Joy on 01706 218614.