A NORTH-EAST outdoor clothing company is fighting back against foot-and-mouth.

The disease is being blamed for a £40m slump in the outdoor pursuits clothing and equipment market, but Wearside company Berghaus is working hard to keep sales up.

A survey carried out by the Outdoor Industries Association (OIA) showed that four in five of its 300 members, which include major high street chains and labels, had suffered as a result of the outbreak.

OIA marketing and development director Andrew Maxted said: "Outdoor retailers were among the first to suffer as walkers, climbers, riders and other outdoor enthusiasts were barred from public rights of way and access land.

"Regrettably, a number of businesses have already closed and almost one fifth of members report laying off staff."

Berghaus spokesman Chris Lines said: "There is absolutely no risk to jobs.

"We have obviously been affected like everyone else, but Berghaus in the UK is the biggest outdoor brand and we are big enough to take it on the chin.

"We have a strong autumn and winter order book and we have done a lot of work with our customers to give us a strong underlying position."

Read more about the foot-and-mouth crisis here.