Chipping Steam Fair has been cancelled to avoid further spread of foot and mouth disease.

Organisers of the event, which was to have featured vintage trains, cars, bikes and steam rollers, decided that going ahead would have been detrimental.

Oorganiser Mary Harrison said: "When we decided to cancel, Chipping was free from the disease.

"We were so frightened of bringing it into the area, as we had entries from Cumbria and all over the country."

She added: "It's sad, but we've just had to say no."

Since the cancellation, three cases of foot and mouth have been confirmed in the surrounding area.

The steam fair, which would have been in its fourth year, was originally organised to raise funds for the village, and contributed towards the building of the New Village Hall.

The event committee has resolved to make next year's fair the best yet.