people planning to make the annual pilgrimage to Our Lady of Mount Grace at Osmotherley, near Northallerton, on Sunday are invited to a "town-instead-of-country" site because of foot-and-mouth.

The annual outdoor mass to mark the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady has been switched from Mount Grace to St Mary's Cathedral, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough.

Fr Terence Richardson, Prior of Osmotherley's Benedictine monastery, who organises the event, said: "We ask that pilgrims don't come here on Sunday because the mile-long track up to Mount Grace is closed owing to foot-and-mouth restrictions.

"There will be plenty of room for people - more than 1,000 usually come - at the cathedral."

The mass, celebrated by Bishop John Crowley of Middlesbrough, starts at 3pm. Fr Terence will preach.