HUNDREDS of pubs across the region face closure as a result of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Figures published by the Brewers and Licensed Retailers' Association (BLRA) reveal that one in ten pubs across Britain are either closing or recording a dip in takings.

The survey shows that average sales in affected pubs are down by 18 per cent, with pubs offering accommodation citing a 22 per cent drop in bookings.

Some of the worst affected areas include rural Richmond, in North Yorkshire, where takings are down an estimated 25 to 30 per cent in some pubs.

Stephen Moss, chairman of Richmond Liscensed Victuallers Association, said: "Richmond is empty at the moment - there's no traffic.

"I can definitely see pubs shutting on the outskirts. There will be small villages towards Reeth and Hawes ten times worse off than we are.

The BLRA surveyed a third of Britain's 60,000 pubs and spokesman Mark Hastings said the figures were just the ''tip of the iceberg".

Stephen Moss added: "Easter is normally very busy but most accommodation has been cancelled for the weekend."