Abingdon's monthly farmers' market is the latest casualty of the foot and mouth restrictions.

The market was due to have been held today, but was cancelled at the weekend following the slaughter of 265 animals at Hinksey Heights farm near South Hinksey, Oxford.

The Abingdon Farmers' Market began nearly a year ago and has proved a big success with shoppers also attending the usual Monday market which is unaffected by the restrictions.

Town mayor Lesley Legge said: "It is a big disappointment to us and many people who support the farmers, but in view of the slaughter of animals at Hinksey, which is not that far away, it was decided to cancel the market.

"Everyone wants to support local farmers and this is another setback for them."

Faringdon is due to hold its first Farmers' Market on April 3, continuing on the first Tuesday of every month, but it too may have to be postponed. No decision has yet been taken.

Another victim of the crisis is the Annual Vintage Tractor Road Run from the Carpenters Arms pub in Appleford, near Abingdon, on Easter Monday.

The event, which attracts hundreds of people, has been called off because it was considered too much of a risk.