THE traditional Feckenham Spring Fair has been cancelled for the first time in living memory due to foot and mouth.

The Feckenham Flower Show committee said it regretted cancelling the fair, planned for Saturday, but felt it would be irresponsible to go ahead.

A spokesman said: "The fair usually attracts substantial numbers from outside the village and the committee feels it would be irresponsible to encourage them into an infected area during the emergency."

The spokesman added: "Nobody can remember the last time it was cancelled and few can remember how long it has been going.

"It's certainly been held every year since the war and is regarded by villagers as the signal the dark days of winter are over."

The committee is considering how to replace the £300 the fair usually contributes to Feckenham over 60s fund and is hoping to hold a similar event later this year.

Confirmed cases of foot and mouth are rising daily with 11 confirmed in Worcestershire.

The lastest case near Redditch was at Windy Bank Farm, in Astwood Bank, where more than 150 sheep and three cattle were destroyed and burnt.