PRINCE Charles has launched a major new charity to give a boost to the UK’s most vulnerable farmers and small communities.

The Prince’s Countryside Fund is expected to raise tens of millions of pounds for depressed rural areas in the next decade.

The Prince said: “This fund is designed to assist the smaller family farm.

“It follows concerns about the devastating impact of the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak on rural Britain and the perilous state of small farms.

“The countryside is under a very real threat. Many farmers earned an average of £6,000 per annum last year, nearly 700 rural pubs closed and the number of farmers and farm workers has declined by 26 per cent over the past 20 years. We all love the countryside for its breathtaking beauty and the very special communities which make up the unique rural tapestry.

“However, both are entirely dependent on |agriculture.”

The charity, which has won the backing of major retailers, including Marks & Spencer, Birds Eye, Ginsters, Muller Dairy UK, Waitrose, United Biscuits, Jordans and Ryvita and Dairy Crest, will have funds to distribute in the event of emergencies.

It will also promote school farms and gardens and educate children about where food comes from.

For further information about the fund, visit princescountrysidefund.org.uk.