THE initial results of a suspected case of foot-and-mouth on a farm in Kent have proved negative, Defra has revealed.

The tests were carried out on suspect animals at Honeychild Manor Farm in St Mary in the Marsh on Romney Marsh.

Government vets say that further tests are needed before they can be certain of the results.

The farming community across Kent had been anxiously awaiting the outcome of the tests.

Honeychild Manor Farm is home to 250 cattle and the only remaining dairy farm on the Romney Marsh. It is owned by Val and Stephen Furnival, who also run a bed and breakfast and the popular tourist attraction the Marsh Maize Maze.

Folkestone and Hythe MP Michael Howard said: "I am very relieved that there has been no outbreak of foot-and-mouth on Romney Marsh. I fully understand how devastating this disease is.

"I must congratulate the farmer, Stephen Furnival, on his vigilance. It must have been of great concern to him when he discovered that three of his cows had developed symptoms which were so similar to foot and mouth.

"I share with Mr Furnival, his family and my other farming constituents the huge sigh of relief that the tests on his cattle did not prove positive."