Foot and Mouth Disease has struck in Astwood Bank again in a farm next to the first outbreak three weeks ago.

This is devastating news for the affected farms whose businesses will take years to recover.

Local farmers have told me that the prize of disease-free status is worth fighting for and vets say that the best way of achieving this is to chase down the disease by a culling and isolation.

I can only say how sorry I am for those affected and that I hope that the disease can be eradicated in the coming months.

We must do our bit too, by respecting the closure of footpaths and farmland, but also by getting out to rural businesses where we can.

Making an effort to support country pubs and restaurants, hotels and parks will help them see out the outbreak, otherwise many of the rural businesses that we all enjoy visiting may not be there much longer.

I had the pleasure of visiting Forge Mill Museum on Friday, itself in a rural setting in the completely accessible Arrow Valley Park, to see a display of dinosaur fossils, drawings and a splendid wall hanging from St Stephen's First School.

The display took place as part of national Science Week and was a credit to those at Forge Mill Museum who worked so hard on the project.

It just goes to show that there are places to visit in the country that are safe and worthwhile.