AN East Lancashire MP today welcomed the results of tests which revealed that food produced near to controversial foot and mouth pyres did not contain higher levels of cancer-causing chemicals.

Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle demanded an inquiry into the effects of pyres after it was claimed that they were releasing high levels of cancer-causing dioxins into the atmosphere.

Thousands of animals were burnt at a pyre in Withnell after foot and mouth was identified in the village.

The image of the burning pyre at night has become one of the enduring images of the crisis, which spread into the Ribble Valley.

The Foods Standard Agency reported today that, according to their study, products made from animals grazing close to pyres did not have higher levels of dioxins, environmental contaminants which have been linked to cancer in humans

The agency studied the effects of pyres on the food chains at several locations around the country.

Around 70 milk samples, taken over a three month period, have been tested for dioxins. Only three samples were found to have higher levels than normal, and they are not believed to have been caused by pyres.

Animals such as cows, sheep and fish can all absorb dioxins when they feed.

It had been feared the dioxins produced by the pyres would settle in large doses on fields around the fires, with animals eating contaminated grass.

Fatty foods were most likely to harbour the dioxins, but because items like full fat milk are produced from various sources, dioxins are diluted in the mixing process.

The agency has now lifted the warning it issued in May about using animals who had been eating grass within two kms of pyres.

Mr Hoyle said: "This was an issue which concerned a lot of people within my constituency.

"There were grave concerns about what affects there could be on the local area and the last thing we wanted was for it to have a knock on effect for local businesses already suffering.

"That is why I called for the inquiry and I am pleased to see it has been carried out. The results should serve to reassure people that they have nothing to worry about."

Agency chairman, Sir John Krebs, said: "From the tests conducted there appears to be no effect on food from foot and mouth pyres.

"This is particularly reassuring for areas where there were many pyres."

Other foods sampled included hen eggs, duck eggs, chickens, cheese, butter, lamb, trout, cream and ice cream.