GROUPS across Kidderm-inster have been left deflated after a planned trip to their German twin town was cancelled bec-ause of the foot and mouth crisis.

The visit by school, church and music groups to Husum has been shelved by the education ministry of Schleswig-Holstein, which covers Husum, amid fears the disease could be taken overseas.

Kidderminster Choral Society, church members and Harry Cheshire High School pupils had arranged a visit for the May Bank Holiday period, when the choir was to have joined with others to present a concert in Husum's St Mary's Church.

The students were due to pay a return visit to the Real Schule Nord.

Despite the disappointment, organisers said they understood the fears of their German friends.

Kidderminster-Husum Twinning Association secretary Charles Talbot said: "The plans of many visiting twin towns on the continent have been thrown into confusion by the consequences of this dreadful disease."

Ray Harrowing, speaking for the church delegation, said: "This was to be the first visit by a large group to meet church people in Husum, but we shall certainly take up the invitation as soon as the problem has been dealt with."