FOR THE first time since foot and mouth struck more than two months ago, there were no new cases reported by 7pm yesterday - news which will bring huge relief to all country folk (and politicians fighting the general election!).

In the Settle area of North Craven, there was no rejoicing: farmers and local business people are keeping their fingers crossed after massed culls in seven outbreaks.

Some roads in the Settle area were closed and police provided escorts for school buses after pupils suffered severe distress at the sight of dead animals lying in the fields.

On the political front, Prime Minister Tony Blair is understood to have let out a big sigh of relief. His gamble at going ahead with the election despite the countryside emergency now looks - touch wood - as though it might pay off.