A NORTH Yorkshire farmer today told of his family's despair as foot and mouth claimed his flock of sheep.

Charles Arrand, of The Shades farm at Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe, near Thirsk, said he and his wife, Patricia, felt "completely empty".

The disease was confirmed at The Shades yesterday, despite the fact that the farm is in the heart of the new restriction zone in which biosecurity was tightened just three days ago.

Mr Arrand said: "The level of security on this farm since the beginning of things in February has been extreme. It seems like there's no hope for anybody.

"No one has come on to our farm; family members have stayed away; feed wagons had to be met at the gate. But the nearer it crept, the bigger the sinking feeling."

Charles and Patricia built up their flock of 40 pedigree Charollais sheep over ten years.

Mr Arrand believes the disease may have been transmitted by birds. "You have to wonder if there isn't some random element to this. I think the vets need to analyse animals like crows to see if they're carrying it, " he said.

Mr Arrand said the Government should now seriously consider vaccination, rather than slaughter.

National Farmers' Union spokesman Rob Simpson said: "Many farmers seem to have resigned themselves to a feeling that they will get the disease."

A further case of foot and mouth was found at Croft Closes, Giggleswick, near Settle, bringing the North Yorkshire total to 124.

The news comes as BBC Radio York listeners prepare to quiz rural affairs minister Elliot Morley on both foot and mouth disease and flood defences. Presenter Jonathan Cowap will devote an hour of his phone-in show, between 10am and 11am tomorrow to a live link-up with Mr Morley from Westminster.

The station will take calls for Mr Morley from 8.30am tomorrow. A full report of the programme will feature in the Evening Press.

Meanwhile, North Yorkshire County Council today announced that most of the footpaths and bridleways in the restriction zone will remain closed indefinitely.

Updated: 11:07 Thursday, July 26, 2001