A stint on a farm could be the solution for thousands of office workers fed up with the stresses and strains of city life. At least, that is what the National Farmers' Union is claiming.

In response to what the NFU says is a flood of calls every summer from those looking for work in the great outdoors, it has just opened a virtual jobcentre carrying details of seasonal jobs ranging from strawberry picking to harvesting herbs.

NFU Horticulture member Peter Wensak said: "For those fed up with staring at a computer screen all day, a stint on the farm could be just the life change they need to blow away the cobwebs and really unwind."

There is even some historical evidence to support the NFU's initiative.

In the 1800s around 100,000 Eastenders packed up their city jobs each summer to travel to Kent for the hop-picking season.

Launched to meet the annual shortfall of seasonal labour, the NFU claims the benefits of a farm holiday include :

Keeping physically active during the day promotes sleep

30 minutes apple picking burns more than 100 calories compared to just 45 calories sat in front of a computer

Manual work encourages the production of endorphins

Ideal chance to top up your tan

Make new friends

In addition, should you choose to forgo the Caribbean for the hay fields of Wiltshire, you'll also be paid for cutting cauliflowers or pruning trees.

According to Sue Godby, a specialist in work related issues, speaking on behalf of the British Association of Occupational Therapists: "Taking a working holiday on a farm may provide physical and psychological benefits to those with stressful, indoor city jobs.

"The fresh air and long, light days can do much to lift mood."

A spokesman for Zurich, which employs more than 4,000 people at its six sites in Swindon said: "Obviously our employees are free to chose where they spend their holidays, but I'm sure that the lure of the fresh country air and as many strawberries as they can eat will appeal to some."

Farmer Sarah Smith of Redlands Farm, Wanborough, also gave the scheme a thumbs up. She said: "While most people would love but can't afford to live in the country, the next best thing would be to go and work on a farm for two weeks."

The virtual jobcentre can be found at www.NFUonline.com