YORK'S first charity bikeathon has become the latest victim of the foot and mouth crisis.

The Leukaemia Research Bikeathon, a 26-mile tour of the historic city, has had to be put off because of the disease that has swept through the nation.

The ride, which was hoping to raise £50,000, has been put back from June 17 to Sunday, September 9.

Hundreds of riders were expected to attend the event and all entrants will be contacted with the new date.

"The movement restrictions imposed to contain the spread of foot and mouth disease have made the necessary detailed preparation of the event impossible," said a spokesman.

"The event organisers will be contacting everyone who has already entered to invite them to carry forward their entry to the new date."

The event was inspired by brave Molly-Ann Barnett, from Hessle, near Hull, who continues to touch the hearts of the nation as she recovers following a bone marrow transplant in September last year.

York Bikeathon chairman Ken Wood works at VMS of Pocklington, of which Molly-Ann's father, Paul, is managing director, and which is sponsoring the York event.

Updated: 16:35 Friday, April 20, 2001