FARMERS turned out in force in the face of adversity as the first York Farmers Market since the outbreak of foot and mouth disease went ahead as planned at the weekend.

York Livestock Centre, at Murton, was packed for the monthly event which had a question mark hanging over it until as late as the evening before.

But the decision was taken to press ahead and mats covered in disinfectant were laid out for vehicles and at all the entrances to the market itself to ensure as many precautions as possible were taken.

Richard Tasker, who organises the markets, said: "We didn't know how the public were going to react. Most farmers took the decision to come out and we've had fairly good public response."

However, farmers selling their goods at the market were in a sombre mood as they continued to hope and pray the disease stayed far enough away from their land.

Mandy Sowray, who has a dairy farm at Terrington, said: "It was quite a decision for us to turn up to the market. But people are very sympathetic and appreciating us being here.

"We are feeling very cut off and isolated. You think twice about going anywhere and you're constantly on tenterhooks, flicking on the television to see if there are any new cases.

"The MAFF site on the internet has been a real lifeline for farmers because it's a true reflection of what's going on. You know it's accurate. Sometimes, you can't be certain of what they say on the television."

Betty Swiers, who farms at Rufforth, said farmers were understandably "very depressed."

She said that most members of the public were being very understanding but "one or two" were still unaware of the implications of flouting the restrictions on farmland.

"Really it's a matter of just trying to contain it and do everything possible to help the situation.

"But these farmers' markets are brilliant. The public get to understand more about the countryside which makes it better for us."

Updated: 10:45 Thursday, March 22, 2001