A PENDLE farmer yesterday played host to Welsh visitors to show he was on the way back after foot and mouth but revealed fears of a new outbreak if vigilance was relaxed.

Norman Nutter, of Sabden Old Hall Farm, Sabden Fold, invited representatives from the Less Favoured Area Committee in Wales, and the National Farmers Union to discuss how he and others were recovering from the devastating disease.

He said: "We've worked hard to return to something like normal but action needs to be taken to prevent another outbreak. The same thing could easily happen again and put farmers through more agony".

Chairman of the Less Favoured Area Committee William Jenkins, NFU policy advisor Rodney Bacon and the Less Favoured Area Committee Lancashire representative Henry Bainbridge visited Pendle and were due to go to Clitheroe and then Pendleton for meetings.

Mr Jenkins, accompanied by his wife Caroline, said: "The aim of the visit is to gain an insight into how farmers in the highlands which come under Less Favoured Areas are coping with the aftermath of foot and mouth.

"We provide payments to those who farm in the highlands and are at a disadvantage because of their situation.

"Factors include difficulties during the winter months. Road networks are not easily accessible, making it hard for the transportation of livestock, as well as having to store fodder in sheds longer than farmers on lowland and marginal land. This is a fact-finding mission which we hope to act on and provide a better service for farmers."

Mr Nutter, 57, has been farming for more than 35 years and invited officials to lunch at local restaurant the Barley Mow in Barley, whose trade was affected by foot and mouth.

He said: "Many different people were hit. My two daughters worked at a restaurant at the time and because people were not coming into the countryside, their hours were cut.

"I am glad that we have had this meeting to help us get some serious issues off our chest and find ways of making farming better for everyone."