Dorset farms were among the stops on a nationwide charity bicycle tour aiming to raise £100,000 for struggling farmers.

The Grain and Feed Merchants relay bike ride passed through Dorset as part of a countrywide tour of feed mills, ports, grain stores and supply trade businesses sites, aiming to raise funds for the Farming Community Network (FCN), a charity that supports members of the farming community through difficult times.

The ongoing ride began on 20th June outside the Palace of Westminster in London, and will cover a total 3,500 miles up and down the country, ending on the last day of July.

The relay entered Dorset from Wiltshire on June 22, stopping at the For Farmers branch in Blandford before continuing the next day through the county.

The riders visited Glencore Agriculture on Portland, then Mole Valley Feed Solutions and Trevor Birchall Agriculture Ltd in Dorchester. They rode on to Wessex Grain in Templecombe and Pearce Seeds LLP in Sherborne before leaving the county for Somerset.

Organiser Richard Cooksley said the bike ride had arisen out of determination to do 'something significant' to support the UK farming industry.

“With considerable economic and political pressures on farm businesses, GAFTA and UK Grain and Feed Trade Associations have committed to doing something significant to support the farming industry," he said.

"The aim of the relay is to help raise awareness of the issues facing farmers, while at the same time raising funds to provide on-going support for all members of the farming community and their families."

Organisers hope to raise some £100,000 for FCN.

Charity chief executive Charles Smith said: “The stresses and strains of farming, the isolation of the work and the uncertainty that the industry faces all mean that the farming community is highly susceptible to poor mental health. Approximately one farmer a week in the UK takes their own life. FCN is there to support those who are struggling to cope with life on the farm.

"Whether the issue is personal or business-related, our volunteers are on hand to support those who seek our help, for as long as it takes. However, we rely on donations in order to carry out this important work, which is why we are so grateful to GAFTA and UK Grain and Feed Trade Associations for their support. The money raised from this bike ride is essential in helping us continue this potentially life-saving work.”

All monies raised are being donated to FCN, which comprises 400 volunteers across the country, most of whom have a farming background and understand the issues farmers face. The charity, which supports approximately 6,000 people every year, runs a confidential national helpline which is open every day of the year from 7am-11pm.

As well as FCN, anyone struggling with their mental health can contact Samaritans on 116 123.