THE foot and mouth 'ban' on anglers fishing local rivers has been extended to include three more locations.

The Hyndburn and Blackburn Angling Society issued a warning yesterday that anyone fishing the Calder or Ribble rivers could inadvertantly spread the disease.

And they are now urging members not to fish the two Rishton reservoirs or Slate Pits in Accrington either as these lie on agricultural land.

Gerry Lee, of the Hyndburn and Blackburn Angling Society, said: "We have spoken to the farmers and they are glad we are taking this action.

"This is a highly virulent disease and everyone must do their bit to stop it spreading.

"The five areas we are asking people not to fish are all on agricultural land.

"The cattle come right down to the water, so it is feasible that the disease could be spread.

"We can't force people not to fish them, but we are asking them not to."

Fishing areas that are not on agricultural land, such as Kearns Allen in Baxenden and Superstreet at Clayton-le-Moors, are still available for fishing.