Struggling farmers are being warned not to rent out their barns for illegal millennium raves.

The Country Landowners Association says farmers could be offered cash for the use of buildings, but would then risk jail and heavy fines.

South and West Wales CLA regional director Jonathan Andrews has advised farmers to make sure any events - such as raves - are legally approved by the police and local authorities before agreeing to rent out buildings.

"Farmers will enter the year 2000 burdened by the worst recession since the 1930s," he said.

"Many will be desperately trying to scrape together money to pay bills and stay in business as their incomes continue to decline and their costs continue to rise.

"So a request to let an empty barn or shed for a millennium celebration could be greeted by some struggling enterprises as a much-welcome lifeline to help revive dwindling cash flow."

Mr Andrews said they are urging all farmers and landowners - who are approached by the organisers of planned millennium raves, concerts, musical events or parties - to make sure that these will be legally approved by the police and local authorities.

"An owner of an empty building who did yield to temptation...could be creating a grave risk of starting the 21st century in serious trouble with the authorities and being hit by another financial disaster.

"If prosecuted...offenders could face a maximum penalty of six months in prison and/or a �20,000 fine."