A RESTAURANT owner today revealed the true extent the foot and mouth outbreak has had on his business.

Mark Hilton took over the Lychgate Restaurant, in Sunnyhurst Woods, in January but has not had any customers for the last three Sundays.

Officials reopened the walkways in the wood and neighbouring Bold Venture Park ten days ago and staff at the visitor centre said they had so far been encouraged by the number of people returning to the site.

The popular East Lancashire tourist spot was closed five weeks ago.

But Mark, who believed people in the town were still not aware the restaurant had stopped being a cafe after a complete transformation last year, said: "It's been so difficult because we rely on people coming through the woods up here. There is no doubt whatsoever the outbreak has had devastating effects for us but I just want people to know we are open."

Other casualties of the disease include the annual Hoghton Tower Sprint -- a bike show due to be staged at the historic tower near Blackburn at the end of this month and the Sealed Knot Muster, also at Hoghton Tower, which should have taken place over the Bank Holiday weekend on Sunday May 27 and Monday May 28.

The annual dog show due to take place over three days from Friday June 1 until Sunday June 3 is also off.