CABINET countryside supremo Margaret Beckett is set to make her promised visit to East Lancashire on Monday.

Ribble Valley Tory MP Nigel Evans said she would be at Gisburn auction market to hear pleas from farmers and businesses for government cash aid.

The Ribble Valley and West Craven have been one of the latest hot spots for the virus.

Mr Evans is delighted that she has agreed to come to the area. He has been backed by Labour MP for Pendle Gordon Prentice in his calls for her to come to East Lancashire.

He said: "Mrs Beckett will hear from farmers the devastation caused by foot and mouth. She will be told about the huge damage that has been done to thecountryside."