A service marking the affects of the foot-and-mouth crisis in North Yorkshire will be held at Ripon Cathedral next month.

The aim of the event, to be held at 2.30pm on Thursday, February 28, is to bring together all those in the area affected by the outbreak and to look forward to a more positive future.

Peter Smith, president of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, said: "We're delighted to support the service, which I pray will mark the start of the regeneration of the rural economy and help lift the morale of the many people who have had such a difficult time over these last months."

The Rev Canon Jeremy Martineau, Church of England's national rural officer, will give the address.

For details, contact the Reverend Canon Leslie Morley, rural officer for the Dioceses of Ripon and Leeds, on (01609) 780734