FOOT and mouth is threatening a business that teaches children about farming.

Chris Southam, of West Wycombe, tours schools and agricultural shows with The Milk Experience which demonstrates how to milk cows.

The business was set up two years ago with the help of a loan from the Prince's Trust.

Chris' business has been hit following the foot and mouth crisis and movement restrictions put on livestock.

He spoke to the Free Press of the difficulties facing him in keeping his head above water: "We have lost two bookings just recently from the foot and mouth.

"We will also lose the big agricultural shows in Peterborough, Dorchester and London.

"Normally I do about eight shows a year and 13 bookings in total.

"Each show is worth about £1,500 for three days and that is what pays for my cows."

Chris, 31, makes his living from working on a farm and set up The Milk Experience up to help educate children.

He fears the loss of income from the cancelled bookings could mean serious problems for the business. Chris is already being forced to take any extra work he can to supplement his income.

For Chris, The Milk Experience is a rewarding and fun venture but he is not optimistic for the future.

He said: "I'm plodding along and just hoping it will go away but the indications are that it will not.

"I'm ruling out the whole of this year and I think there will be no shows at all and if there are we will be lucky to do them."