MIDSUMMER'S Day brought no relief to the Skipton district as DEFRA lifted animal movement restrictions in many parts of the UK.

Another new cluster of three cases was confirmed in picturesque Linton, the Wharfedale village which is a popular honeyspot for tourists and walkers. Some 400 animals were culled around the village.

There was also another outbreak near Clitheroe in the so-called Settle rectangle.

• Rural business people whose businesses have been hard hit were horrified by reports that slaughtermen involved in the culls could be earning over £1,000 a week - whereas the first grants to small businesses have been £2,000 for the whole summer so far.

• In London, DEFRA Secretary of State Margaret Beckett said the Government wished to see many more rural footpaths opened as the school summer holidays begin - a move which is being treated with extreme caution by North Yorkshire County Council.