WORCESTERSHIRE and Herefordshire's recovery from the nightmare of foot-and-mouth is proving to be a long, slow march.

But the spirit that survives in the countryside is being amply demonstrated by the success of the Three Counties Summer Show.

Even though the traditional show had to called off in June because of the devastation being wrought across the land by the disease, the organisers refused to be beaten and set about putting together a special package of events for August.

The emphasis had to change from the agricultural nature of the historic show - foot-and-mouth still dictates no animals can be involved except for horses - and this experimental event has been packed to the gunnels with family-orientated attractions.

The thousands of people who attended yesterday had the opportunity to see the first Royal visit to the Three Counties since 1997.

By their very presence, The Earl and Countess of Wessex gave a boost to the countryside.

As they dropped in at the regional food fair, the young farmers' clubs and the Rural Stress Initiative, the Royal couple saw how the countryside is battling back.

There is, of course, still a long way to go. As we report on Page 11 today, campaigners from a Worcestershire group are planning to join a march in London with the aim of demanding a public inquiry into foot-and-mouth.

And the Heart of Pershore organisation is also committed to fighting for other countryside causes.

All-in-all, the message from Worcestershire is clear - the battle to save the countryside goes on.