CANCELLATION of the Great Yorkshire Show, another casualty of the foot and mouth crisis, was a shock to the rural community.

Rob Simpson of the National Farmers' Union said the cancellation was likely to have both a serious financial and psychological impact on the farming community.

"Many farmers plan their calendar around the show - after all their hard work throughout the year the show gives them three days of light relief and pleasure - a time they can relax," he said.

The show, held annually in Harrogate, attracts more than 120,000 people.

A YAS spokeswoman said the cost of staging the show was about £1 million, and the loss from its cancellation would be a "substantial figure".

John Stoddart-Scott, chairman of the executive committee, said: "A month ago

when we decided to continue with the show the (foot and mouth) outbreaks appeared to be decreasing and we felt the show could be a positive factor in helping boost morale in the farming industry.

"We are now closer to the show dates, the disease does not appear to be under control and we feel it would no longer be appropriate to go ahead."

Updated: 08:53 Thursday, June 07, 2001