FARMERS in Tiverton have been praised for their commitment to environmentally friendly farming after more than expected signed up for a new government pilot scheme.

Tiverton and three other areas were picked to pilot the new Entry Level Scheme (ELS), which pays farmers to deliver a well-managed landscape and countryside --a key element of the government's strategy for sustainable farming and food.

Lord Whitty announced today that more than 250 farmers have joined the pilots, well above the government's target of 200 - with more than 80 of these from Tiverton.

Sir Don Curry's policy commission recommended a new entry-level scheme open to the majority of farmers, and the ELS puts environmental issues at the heart of farming policy, rewarding farmers for effective environmental management.

Farmers will have to identify important environmental issues at the heart of farming policy, rewarding farmers for effective environmental management.

Farmers will have to identify important environmental features on their farms and make a commitment to carrying out simple environmental activities, which they will select from a wide-ranging list.

Lord Whitty said: "To see this level of interest and commitment from farmers at this stage is very encouraging."