ORGANISERS have scrapped a major summer event after fresh fears over foot and mouth.

The Prestwood Steam Rally regularly attracts more than 15,000 visitors and would have celebrated its 40th anniversary this year.

But rally organisers have been forced to cancel the two day event, planned for July 7 and 8, after the farmer whose land it is held on, at The Hangings, said the risks were still too great.

Phil Honour, chairman of the Chiltern Traction Engine Club, which stages the rally, said: "This is a great disappointment but what can you do? This would have been our 40th year. We've never had to cancel an event before."

Thousands of enthusiasts flock to the event from as far as Devon, Cornwall and other areas which have been affected by foot and mouth.

Mr Honour added: "There are new cases of foot and mouth every day it's by no means over yet. Buckinghamshire County Council has done a fantastic job in keeping footpaths closed and keeping the area free from foot and mouth. We don't want to ruin that."

Council spokesman Richard Burton explained that as from the start of next week all footpaths and rights of way would be open to the public.

He added: "I think in this case they [the organisers] have been right in taking this approach and the right decision has been taken because this event attracts people from a widespread area."

A scaled-down one-day event will take place instead of the planned Prestwood Steam Rally on July 7 at the village green in Sarrat, Hertfordshire.