THE Countryside Alliance's Liberty and Livelihood march, which was scheduled to take place in London on Sunday, March 18, has been postponed because of the foot and mouth outbreak.

The announcement was made by CA chief executive Richard Burge on Monday, February 26.

And local CA organisers have backed the decision, saying it is the only possible reaction to the crisis.

Tim Lewin, of Upton, said: "There was nothing else we could do. The main thing is to get this dreadful outbreak under control and that must take precedence over everything else.

"Farmers are facing a potentially terrible situation right now, and we must do everything we can to support them.

"But the march has been postponed, not cancelled, and I am looking forward to taking part in it when it is held."

He said the Ledbury Hunt, which he belongs to, had organised eight coaches to take supporters to the march, and dozens of others were being sent form Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

"The march is not just about hunting, but about the countryside, and bringing attention to the way the country and country people, are being neglected."

The decision to postpone the march was taken in consultation with leading farming organisations, including the National Farmers Union.

The march is now due to take place in early May, depending on the foot and mouth situation.