A FARM suspected of having foot and mouth disease has been cleared by government vets.

Bockmer Farm, Bocker Lane, Medmenham, had been under restrictions since March 15 while officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) inspected animals from the farm for foot and mouth.

But MAFF cleared the farm, owned by farmer Bob Newman, on Friday, when the suspected outbreak was confirmed as negative.

A spokesman for Buckinghamshire County Council Trading Standards said: "This is excellent news and the 8km exclusion zone around the farm has now been lifted."

The 8km exclusion zone around the farm had meant farms within the zone could not send their animals to the abattoir.

There had also been a 3km exclusion zone stopping any farms within the zone from moving any animals or animal waste in or out of the farm. This has now been removed.

Other restrictions in the county have also been lifted by county and district councils.

Many golf courses are open as well as some parks, such as Hughenden Park and Chesham Bois Common.

The Wycombe Museum is open, along with the Hell Fire Caves at West Wycombe.

National Trust site Cliveden is hoping to open tomorrow, with the Chiltern Open-Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles, hoping to resume business on Sunday.

The Royal British Legion has offered emergency help for members of the ex-service community hit by the foot and mouth crisis.

The legion runs an immediate needs scheme to assist those facing a short-term crisis that requires an emergency injection of funds to achieve a solution.

Ex-service people, or the spouse, widow or direct relative of an ex-service person can contact the legion on 0845 7725 725 for more information.