FARMERS in West Somerset have been unfairly hit in last week's Budget, according to local MP Ian Liddell-Grainger.

He said the Chancellor of the Exchequer's decision to raise excise duty on 4x4 vehicles had not been properly thought through.

"Many farmers have four-wheel drive vehicles, but they are necessary in a rural area such as ours," he said.

"I realise that only newer vehicles will be affected but they it should be according to postcode rather than registration number.

"I am in contact with the Chancellor about this because I'm concerned that the wrong people will suffer."

But he added: "I welcome the Government's decision to look at growing biofuels for cars."