TORY leader William Hague found himself caught up in the foot-and-mouth crisis yesterday.

The disease was confirmed by Ministry of Agriculture (Maff) officials at Home Farm, in Catterick, North Yorkshire.

The farm, owned by John Watson, is only half a mile from the home Mr Hague shares with his wife, Ffion, in Brough Park.

He will be allowed to leave Brough Park, which is also home to 20 other families, but only in vehicles which have been disinfected as theyare driven out from the estate.

Last night, the Richmond MP spoke of his sympathy for Mr Watson and stressed that he believed the disease was far from under control.

Speaking yards away from grazing ewes and lambs, which will now be slaughtered, Mr Hague said: "This news is heartbreaking for all the people who live here. Seven hundred and fifty sheep and 300 cattle are all going to have to be slaughtered and it is a real tragedy.

"This experience is only typical of what has happened in hundreds of farms around the country over the last few weeks.

"Really good and conscientious farmers who look after the health of their animals, and have done everything possible to avoid foot-and-mouth getting on to their farms, have seen their animals succumb.

"This is a favourite time of year for everyone who lives here, seeing the lambs playing in the fields. Tomorrow they will be dead, which is awful. This disease is rife across my constituency in North Yorkshire and I hope no one is going to tell me it is fully under control."

Mr Watson's farm has been in his family since the turn of the century. Yesterday, his 120 cattle, 80 fattening stock and 300 ewes and lambs were valued.

Even the valuer had to be fully disinfected before he could leave.

Mr Watson's mother Joyce, 80, said: "This family has had many years in farming and witnessed many things, but this is the worst day I can remember. It will be very upsetting to see the livestock killed off in a few days. It is unbearable."

Animals on adjacent farms will also be slaughtered to prevent foot and mouth spreading.

The outbreak is one of four which were confirmed in the North-East and North Yorkshire at the weekend.

Nationwide, nine new cases were confirmed in the 24 hours to 7pm last night.

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