DAIRY farmers within 'driving distance' of a Cumbrian town are being urged to take part in a royal bid to improve their lot.

The Prince’s Dairy Initiative is looking for traditional family dairy farmers to join the fourth year of an innovative programme offering support and business advice to those running small and medium-sized dairy herds.

The scheme is being extended to five new regions and they include the area around Workington.

A spokesman for the initiative said farms located within driving distance of the West Cumbrian town could qualify.

In each area up to 20 dairy farmers, who want to increase the viability and efficiency of their business, are being sought. Participation is free and eligible farmers should have a dairy herd of fewer than 200 cows, supply their milk on a standard contract and not already be active participants in discussion groups and workshops.

The initiative aims to improve the diversity and long-term sustainability of the British dairy sector by offering free practical workshops and an important local networking opportunity.

Mike Stevens, of Müller Wiseman Dairies and chairman of The Prince’s Dairy Initiative, said: “This is an important time for us to support traditional family dairy farmers. With a wider range of farm gate prices than I have ever seen in my career, The Prince’s Dairy Initiative is helping those in most need to improve their overall efficiency as the industry becomes even more challenging. Our experience to-date proves that bringing local, like-minded farmers together delivers real benefit. The problem is that too often the farmers who could benefit the most from this initiative are too remote or too busy to seek support. We’re trying to spread the word and reach these farmers.”