THE owners of an East Yorkshire farm have closed its doors to visitors after an E.coli outbreak.

John and Sue Johnston, who run Cruckley Animal Farm at Foston-on-the-Wolds, near Driffield, took the decision after six cases of E.coli 0157, the most common form of the bug, were linked to the site.

It left both adults and children affected and, in a statement, the Johnstons said they were “hugely concerned” and had voluntarily closed the farm, which has been open to the public for almost 25 years.

“This is the first time we have experienced anybody becoming ill,” they said.

“We have been proud of the cleanliness and hygiene standards maintained across the farm, which we believe were in line with best practice. We have always believed a visit to a farm makes an important contribution to a broader understanding of the countryside and nature more generally.

“However, in light of what has happened and after a great deal of consideration, we have taken the difficult decision to retire.”

The North Yorkshire and the Humber Health Protection Unit has said they are keeping a watching brief on the site but believe they have found the source of the infection.