A farm in Middleton Stoney is being investigated for a suspected outbreak of foot and mouth disease.

The site is a couple of miles north of Grange Farm, Little Chesterton, where the entire 600-strong flock of sheep belonging to farmer Clive Hawes had to be slaughtered and incinerated.

Officials are also investigating suspected cases in South Hinksey, Oxford, and Wendlebury, one mile from Little Chesterton.

Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) are still awaiting the results of tests, which can take up to five days to prove conclusive, MAFF spokesman Rachel Bell said.

A farm just south of the Oxfordshire border in Baydon, Wiltshire, has also been placed under restrictions. The results of tests are not yet known.

But despite worries over foot and mouth, plans are going ahead for another farmers' market in Oxfordshire.

The Joint Economic Forum for Faringdon says it will open the market on April 3 and on every first Tuesday in the month between 8.30am and 2pm.

The official opening of the Faringdon market will take place at 10.30am at the Old Town Hall. Entertainment will be provided by the Vale Islanders Traditional Dance team.

Yesterday, 15 more cases of foot-and-mouth were confirmed across the country and the disease spread to four more counties - North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Berkshire and Derbyshire - raising the total number of cases to 96.

Chief veterinary officer Jim Scudamore said the slaughtering of infected animals and livestock classified as "dangerous contacts" was continuing, with 47,000 having been culled already.