THE MP for Penrith and Border has appealed to the Farming Minister to release vital funding to help Eden farmers who suffered 'the worst conditions in living memory due to the devastating impact of Storm Emma this week.

Rory Stewart MP has requested the urgent release of Defra funding to subsidise the cost of fallen stock disposal.

Mr Stewart has also secured a dedicated caseworker from the ABI (Association of British Insurers) to deal with insurance issues from those in communities in Penrith and The Border who have been affected This covers those effected either in terms of loss of stock or income, of damage to infrastructure, or other claims with which they may require assistance in brokering insurance pay-outs.

The MP said: "Conditions in parts of Penrith and The Border are, quite simply, some of the worst in living memory.  "Farmers are suffering a great deal. Not only have they lost stock in lamb - the most critical time for most farmers - but on top of that they are dealing with the costs of disposal, sometimes of hundreds of dead animals.  "The financial and emotional impact of this is unimaginable; they have all my sympathies. However on a practical level I pledge to support any farmer in need in any way I can."

Mr Stewart also released a statement addressing the impact of the storm on his constituency, praising the efforts of residents in 'coming together'.

He said: "For the majority of my constituents, this has been a terrible week in which many have suffered.

"Entire communities have been stranded, some households have been without electricity and light, and in severe cases farmers are suffering the significant loss of stock at one of the most important times of the farming calendar, just as lambing and calving begins.

"As ever, in scenes reminiscent of Storm Desmond, our communities have come together to assist one another. I want to thank all those rural communities where farmers and many others - but especially farmers -  have been working from dawn until late into the night to clear roads, particularly in areas like Alston Moor, the East Fellside villages, and the remote valleys around Kirkby Stephen.

"For those who have shown compassion for their older or less able neighbours, a particularly heartfelt thank you. And to our emergency services - Cumbria Constabulary, our Fire services, the NHS and our doctors and nurses and emergency medics, the Mountain Rescue teams, and of course the Council's Highways teams - I understand that you have been battling in some of the toughest conditions in living memory, and your dedication and energy has once again highlighted the ability of Cumbrians to respond fast and effectively in times of need. "