Farmers and tourism chiefs were today counting the cost of the latest casualty of the foot and mouth crisis - the Great Yorkshire Show.

They said its cancellation was a devastating and depressing blow which could force many individuals and businesses over the edge.

The blow came when the Yorkshire Agricultural Society (YAS) announced that the event, due to start on Tuesday July 10 - when the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were due to visit - was cancelled.

Farmers across North Yorkshire claimed the news had left morale in the industry at its lowest point in more than 30 years, and tourism bosses say many rural businesses may be forced to close.

Pocklington farmer John Rowbottom, a board member of the National Pig Association, said: "Cancellation of the show really puts the whole crisis into perspective.

"Farmers are now probably at the lowest point in morale terms that they have been in 30 years."

He said the cancellation was bound to be a huge financial blow, adding YAS must have already committed substantial funds to staging the show.

"Besides that, the farmers who attend the show will lose money. Many farmers take their animals to the show, win a prize and then sell that animal on for a higher than usual price, but that won't happen this year," he said.

Rob Simpson from 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.

But John Clarke, of Cropton Mill Farm near Kirkbymoorside, said though the show's cancellation was disappointing it was the best course of action.

"Yorkshire has had some of its worst outbreaks around Settle and it is vitally important people do not spread the disease," 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."

John Richardson of the Ryedale Tourism Association said this latest blow would contribute to the "inevitable outcome" of people going out of business.

His own bed and breakfast business in Cropton, near Pickering, was 40 per cent down on visitors.

"The show's cancellation is just another indication that the situation long-term is not good.

"This could send many people and businesses over the edge."

Updated: 10:36 Friday, June 01, 2001