THE Cheltenham National Hunt Festival is in grave danger of being called off as the foot and mouth crisis continues to escalate.

The racecourse has fallen within an exclusion zone set up to prevent the disease spreading, and with the festival due to start in 11 days time, prospects are gloomy.

The Irish Racehorse Trainers Association has already announced that no Irish horses will be sent to the Festival.

Local sport is also under threat, and the North Midlands Rugby Union, whose area includes Worcestershire and Herefordshire, have advised clubs in rural areas to postpone matches this weekend.

Luctonians, based near Leominster, have shut down until further notice.

But all four North Midlands Cup ties scheduled for Sunday, including Droitwich v Malvern, are still on at the moment.

North Midlands secretary Stuart Potts said: "We do not want people travelling unnecessarily while there is a risk that the disease may spread and we are advising clubs in rural areas not to play this weekend."

The Worcestershire Football Association has yet to take a decision on whether to call for a blanket postponement of local league matches this weekend.

Secretary Mervyn Leggett said: "At the moment we are keeping the matter under review. It is a situation we have to monitor closely."