ALMOST a year after pub landlady Frances Debenham told Tony Blair how the foot and mouth crisis was crippling her business, his Government has finally helped her out.

Frances, proprietor of the Feversham Arms, in Farndale, tackled the Prime Minister on a BBC Radio York phone-in programme during his visit to York last spring.

"I don't know how I'm going to survive," she told Mr Blair. He said: "It's worth someone coming out and seeing Frances to see what can be done to help her."

Someone did come out to the historic pub in the picturesque dale to see if she might be eligible for assistance. And now, after a lot of form-filling and red tape, the Government has lent a helping hand in the form of a £15,000 grant. The money cannot be used to help pay off debts accumulated during the crisis, but to help her build and strengthen her business in future.

She said she intended making her three guest bedrooms ensuite, and installing central heating to make them suitable for guests all year round. She also plans to get a computer and create a website for the pub.

Frances says custom is also picking up after an horrendous year when the lack of custom - caused by the closure of footpaths and a desire by tourists not to risk spreading foot and mouth disease - sometimes left her feeling desperate.

Business hit rock bottom one week last August, when she took only £2.08 in five days. She says she only survived 2001 thanks to a very supportive bank manager.

Crowds look set to pack the dale over Easter, giving Frances plenty of business - providing the sunny, but unpredictable, weather does not turn wet.

Updated: 12:22 Wednesday, March 27, 2002