Farmers are anxiously awaiting the results of scientific tests after the latest suspected case of foot and mouth disease was uncovered in North Yorkshire.

A total of 827 sheep, 600 lambs and 98 cattle were being slaughtered at Brough Farm, Bainbridge, near Leyburn, after a Government vet found indications of the disease.

Tests are still being carried out to determine whether this is a confirmed case of foot and mouth, and no decision will be taken on any action affecting neighbouring farms will be taken until the results come back.

If confirmed, this would bring the total number of cases in North Yorkshire to 15. It would also probably mean that livestock at adjoining farms having to be slaughtered.

Meanwhile, a protest due to take place in York today against the mass slaughter of animals was likely to be bigger than an inaugural one held last week, according to an organiser.

The demonstration at 1pm outside the city's MAFF office in Peasholme Green is intended to be a weekly event.

Bill Shaw, the Green Party's prospective parliamentary candidate for York, said he had received expressions of support from a wide range of people.

"It's not just one group pushing it," he said. "It's not had to opportunity to express itself - our short protest every Tuesday has brought it out and given people the opportunity to express it."

A high-powered delegation of overseas tourism chiefs to Britain has won backing from York, though they will not visit the city or the local area.

Kay Hyde of the York Tourism Bureau said the visit would include Devon and Cumbria, England's worst-hit areas.

Updated: 11:26 Tuesday, April 17, 2001