A VILLAGE was this week left reeling after 240 cattle and 20 sheep were destroyed when foot and mouth disease was detected.

Sunday's outbreak in Stoke Prior has been confirmed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF), which said the carcasses were set to be burned some time this week.

The warning was given before laboratory tests came back because evidence of the disease was so overwhelming.

The village, which contains a strong farming community, is reeling from the news and residents have been left feeling isolated as they stay indoors in a bid to contain the disease.

Maggie and Richard Brittain, who own Happy Bank Farm, were too upset to talk to the Advertiser/Messenger when we contacted them.

Maggie said she was "devastated."

A Worcestershire County Council spokesman said the road near the farm had been closed to through traffic and the only access was for those who lived there.

He urged residents to take heed of the road closure signs.

Neighbouring mum-of-two Tina Dutson, of Piper's Hill Farm, said farming links had been 'shattered' at a time when they should be comforting each other. She added farmers could only now talk to each other by phone.

She added: "We need a special licence to do anything, even move animal feed around.

"We have to wash our hair and clean our boots whenever we leave or return to the farm.

"I have kept my children off school as well because we have to be so careful.

"Our heart goes out to this couple. We are all playing a waiting game.

"I would urge residents to stay clear of rural areas and country lanes, especially Hanbury Woods -- where cars are still parking even though they are right next to farmland -- to help us stamp out this disease."