Farming's oldest welfare charity has paid out £58,000 in emergency funding to farming families in Cumbria.

The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution has handed out upwards of £6,000 each week since a series of storms hit the county in December.

The 155-year-old farming charity says it has distributed almost £1.9m to cash-strapped growers and livestock producers nationally, as farm incomes continue to plummet.

A total of 1,340 individuals and families received financial hardship grants, with the charity helping farming people to claim more than £390,000 in state benefits and tax credits.

The leading farming charity released the figures less than a fortnight after Defra forecast a significant fall in farm incomes during the year to February 2016.

Almost all farming sectors have seen incomes drop over the past 12 months.

Dairy and pig farm incomes are expected to fall by almost half, with cereal growers set to see a 24 per cent slump, due to lower prices driven by the strong pound and supply outstripping demand.

RABI helps farmers, farmworkers and their families who rely on agriculture for their main source of income – but it also gives grants to retired farmers, farmworkers and their dependants.

RABI regional manager Georgina Lamb said: “For working farmers suffering financial hardship due to an unforeseen crisis, we can provide grants towards relief staff.

“Our message is simple: if you or someone you know works or has worked in farming and is in need of help, call our Freephone helpline on 0808 281 9490.”

During 2015, the charity paid out £156,000 to working farmers, to help them cope with issues including illness, flooding and animal disease.

It also paid out £221,885 towards clearing domestic bills, £122,039 for disability equipment and adaptations and £48,366 for home repairs and improvements.

Ms Lamb said: “For retired or disabled people we provide regular and one-off grants for living costs.

“We can help with home-help costs and provide specialist equipment and white goods.”

Two hundred grants totalling £263,204 were given out in Wales. RABI’s work is funded by donations, investments and legacies.

“We receive tremendous support from the farming community and fundraising events are held throughout England and Wales by our county committees of volunteers,” said Ms Lamb.