FARMERS around Bolton Abbey found themselves in the foot and mouth spotlight yesterday (Thursday) after a case of the disease was confirmed in nearby Beamsley.

The virus was found in cattle belonging to JT and LM Croft of New Hall Farm. The animals - 89 cattle, 280 sheep and 300 lambs - were being kept at Lowfields Farm, Beamsley.

It has brought the number of infected premises in the Craven and adjoining Ribble Valley area to 101.

Contiguous premises and dangerous contacts are currently being identified.

Ward representative for the area Coun Chris Knowles-Fitton said he was deeply saddened to hear the news and expressed worries for the farmers in his constituency.

"We keep hearing that the tail of the disease is getting shorter but cases are still appearing. It is deeply distressing news for everyone in the area," he said.

The last case to occur in Coun Knowles-Fitton's ward was at Dibbles Bridge Farm, Hebden on July 13.

The incidence of foot and mouth in Beamsley will mean that the footpath between Bolton Abbey Priory and the Devonshire Arms Hotel will be closed again.

But estate manager Ben Heyes said most of the other paths around the estate were open, as indeed was the village itself.

However, he accepted it would be wise for potential walkers to telephone Skipton Tourist Information Centre before setting out in case rights of way have been closed.

In addition, animals at Eastby Hall Farm, Eastby were culled at the beginning of the week under suspicion of having foot and mouth.

Blood tests have been carried out although DEFRA says is could be some time before it is known whether the animals were infected. If they are, then animals on contiguous premises will be identified for slaughter.

The figures for the Settle/Clitheroe rectangle currently stand at: 42,345 cattle, 240,233 sheep, 182 pigs, 66 goats, 155 other animals. There are 101 infected premises, 396 contiguous premises and 11 slaughter under suspicion.