Movement restrictions imposed because of the foot-and-mouth outbreaks in Surrey were relaxed outside the surveillance zone set up around the five farms near Pirbright infected since the virus surfaced last month.

But farmers desperate for normal movement and trading conditions at one of their busiest times of the year said they did not go far enough.

And in crisis talks at Cardiff Bay they urged Wales Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones to relax the restrictions further and to press for the return of the export trade.

Ms Jones said farmers can now move their livestock up to three kilometres on the same holding, including by road, under a general licence. And individual licences will be available for movement of animals for acute welfare reasons subject to veterinary assessment and inspection.

Source: Western Mail