A DRAMA about the foot-and-mouth epidemic is being brought to North Yorkshire.

Theatre company Blaize is performing New Life, written by Maureen Lawrence.

It portrays how the epidemic affected the lives of its four characters, a farmer and his daughter, a pub landlord and a Defra caseworker.

The events of 2001 provide the background to the play but it is a story about the strength of relationships as well as issues.

It looks at the way people are shaped by forces beyond their control.

The play will be touring North Yorkshire until the end of November, performing at Arncliffe, Settle, Ingleby Greenhow, Goathland, Sowerby, Malton, Whitby, the Danby Moors centre, Osmotherley, Rosedale Abbey and Sherburn-in-Elmet.

For details, call (01943) 607030 or visit www.blaize.uk.net.