A North Yorkshire auction mart opens next week for the first time since foot-and-mouth swept through the region last year.

Wensleydale was one of the areas hardest hit by the disease. North Yorkshire's first case was reported almost exactly a year ago.

Hawes' auction mart has been shut ever since, but it will be selling sheep, dairy cows and calves from 9am on Tuesday.

A spokesman said:"We are not expecting business to be that brisk just yet, but it will be a relief to be back open.

"We expect it will take some time for business to pick up as farmers restock their land, but hope to see as many people as possible next week."

23/02/2002