The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute is gearing up for its 150th anniversary which it will celebrate with a ball at Belvoir Castle, but is still trying to get its message through to people who are struggling.

Milly Wastie, its East Midlands officer, said: "Some people might be embarrassed or too proud to come forward and ask for help.

"It can be a lonely time for a struggling farmer and we want to help.

"We've had great support from the community in and around Melton. We held a welly ball at the Cattle Market last month which was really well attended and Rearsby Young Farmers raised a fantastic sum for us with their calendar.

"To help the RABI reach its 150th anniversary and beyond we need generous supporters to keep on giving. With the volatile situations the farming industry faces, our work could not be more needed than today."

In the last year the charity has helped several people in the Melton area and hopes to continue doing so.

One family, who have to remain anonymous, had a baby who was transferred to Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital with a serious medical condition.

Mounting travel expenses made it difficult to visit their newborn child and continue running their business so RABI stepped in, paying for travel to London and a part-time worker for the farm.

Sometimes it's the small things. Earlier this year a little girl's parents were the only ones in her class who couldn't afford a school trip - so RABI discreetly covered the cost.

The charity paid out millions of pounds during the foot and mouth crises and every year helps elderly and disabled beneficiaries with grants.

But it's not just money as RABI support staff help many people in agriculture with benefits forms and offer practical advice to anyone who needs it.

Milly said: "RABI has an unbroken 149-year history of providing for the welfare and wellbeing of members of the farming community who are facing need, hardship or distress.

"No-one knows what lies ahead, especially for those who are retiring from the industry with no savings to fall back on, but RABI may be able to help."

Anyone in need of help or knows someone who does should contact the confidential helpline on (01865) 727888 or visit the website www.rabi.org.uk

If you would like to support the RABI, contact Milly via email at milly.wastie@rabi.org.uk or call 07525 323450.