LIVESTOCK farmers have been urged to stay away from next week's Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show amid fears the foot and mouth virus could be spread during the event.

But the president of the National Farmers' Union, Ben Gill, speaking at the launch of the show in Astley Park, Chorley, yesterday, urged townsfolk to give their backing to the event and attend in droves.

Both the NFU and Lindsay Hoyle, the MP for Chorley, said they received numerous phone calls from farmers worried that foot and mouth was creeping back into the area following an outbreak in Wigan earlier this week.

Although no cloven-hoofed animals -- like cows and sheep -- are being allowed to this year's event, organisers are keen to make sure the virus isn't spread by mistake by cattle, sheep and pig farmers attending the event.

Mr Gill said: "This event needs to be a success but it is important that farmers who do still have livestock and are worried about foot and mouth coming to their farm should stay away.

"We are getting a lot of calls from concerned farmers especially now there has been this new outbreak in Greater Manchester. It is very worrying and it won't just go away."

He added: "That is why it is important for townsfolk to get out and come to this event and make it a big success. The townsfolk need to show their support for the rural community.

"The show takes place in the middle of a town and it is a chance for urban people to gain a better understanding about the countryside.

Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle added: "It is great that this event is taking place especially when so many other things are going wrong.

"But the country is still in crisis and while the foot and mouth crisis has gone for the time being, nothing should be done to allow it to return which is why farmers with livestock should stay away." Disinfectant mats and water jets are available for agricultural vehicles entering the show ground at Astley Park.

Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society chairman Rennie Pinder, from Altham, said: "We began making contingency plans in February because we knew foot and mouth wouldn't go away.

"All cloven-hoofed animal exhibits have been cancelled but we have got a lot in its place.

"We have falconry displays, field gun display teams, polo teams, the Ossy Cloggers and bands as well.

"Ticket sales are up on last year and we are confident everything will go according to plan."

The show, which dates back to 1767, begins next Friday at 8am and runs until Sunday.