An arts festival has become the latest victim of the foot and mouth crisis.

More than 25,000 visitors were expected to attend the four-day Art in Action event at Waterperry Gardens, near Wheatley, in July.

But organisers have cancelled the festival for the first time in its 22-year history because a neighbouring field, needed for car parking, contains sheep which cannot be moved.

The field is within restricted areas imposed around outbreaks of the virus in Hinksey and Little Chesterton, although the gardens are open for business.

A spokesman for Art in Action said that many participants were more concerned for farmers than for themselves. Steve Pelton, assistant manager at Waterperry Gardens said: "Foot and mouth is a serious issue and this was the right decision."