THE region's livestock industry breathed a sigh of relief yesterday as more foot-and-mouth restrictions were lifted.

Extra controls will operate, but livestock markets for cattle, sheep and pigs can resume from Monday - and livestock can attend agricultural shows.

The lifting of market restrictions is particularly good news for the region's sheep breeders as the all important autumn sales can now go ahead.

James Herdman, of Alnwick, will be selling at Scots Gap and the major ram sale at Kelso on September 14.

He said: "It's been a very close call and if the sales had not been allowed to go ahead this autumn it would have meant huge losses to North-East sheep breeders."

Debby Reynolds, the Government's chief veterinary officer, yesterday announced the resumption of shows and sales outside the foot-and-mouth surveillance zone in Surrey.

However, tight additional controls will operate at shows and marts until the surveillance work is completed.

Peter Kendall, president of the National Farmers' Union, said the announcement was "testament both to the determination and speed with which farmers and the Government responded to the outbreak."

He said remaining restrictions on livestock movements are expected to be lifted next Friday when the Surrey surveillance zone could be lifted.

Angus Collingwood-Cameron, North-East director of the Country Land and Business Association, said the go-ahead for the autumn sales was economically vital.

He added: "The news regarding shows will also cheer up the agricultural community."

Although the relaxation may be too late for some shows, Stokesley and Nidderdale - to be held on September 22 and 24 respectively - have continued taking livestock entries in the hope they would go-ahead.

Sue Monk, secretary of Nidderdale Show at Pateley Bridge, said: "It is good news because we have been putting in such a lot of work in hoping they would go-ahead."