TWO more annual shows have been cancelled because of foot and mouth.

The Pickering and District and the Snainton and District Fur and Feather Fanciers shows were due to have taken place later this month but organisers have cancelled them on the advice of DEFRA vets.

Adam Collier, who is honorary secretary of both shows said the decision was disappointing.

"It is probably the first time in about 50 years that the shows have been cancelled," he said.

"We were hoping that because they are so late in the year we might have escaped any of the restrictions.

"But we were contacted by DEFRA who said they would prefer it if we didn't go ahead because we are still in a sensitive area."

Mr Collier said there was still hope that the shows could be rescheduled for December.

"Hopefully the disease will be gone by then and if our members agree we'll be looking to hold around Christmas time," he said

Updated: 10:22 Wednesday, October 03, 2001