ONE of the biggest agricultural shows in the region has been cancelled because of the crisis.

The showground for Egton Show, in the North York Moors, is in agricultural land and is out of bounds because the disease has spread to the nearby village of Ruswarp, on the outskirts of Whitby.

Organisers of the show have unanimously decided against going ahead with this year's event, out of courtesy to local farmers.

Committee secretary Joyce Harrison said organisers did not think it was fair to go ahead when local farmers were desperately battling to keep the disease at bay.

Although the show could go ahead without livestock, it was decided to cancel it entirely because people visit the event from all over the North-East and Yorkshire and could possibly carry the disease to the Egton area.

The announcement is likely to have a significant effect on the village's economy, with hotels, pubs and restaurants likely to lose out.

But Mrs Harrison said helping farmers was the biggest priority.

"It is a disappointment but we have to be optimistic," she said. "Everyone was looking forward to the show, but we have to keep the disease away if possible.

"I do not think we could have coped if we had gone ahead. Every vehicle would have to be washed or they would never have got into the field.

"It is only a voluntary effort."