Dentdale residents have voted by more than four-to-one to press ahead with

the dale's annual festival despite the continued threat of foot-and-mouth.

Local farmers have had to watch anxiously as outbreaks of the disease have

occurred in the Lakes to the west, in the Eden Valley to the north and in

the Yorkshire Dales to the East, while businesses in the dale are struggling

to survive as visitor numbers have fallen sharply.

The organisers hope the

festival, which is being held from August 24-27, will provide a chance for

the local's to enjoy themselves and will attract visitors to the area.

Three farmers: two from Garsdale and one from Sedbergh objected to the

festival on the grounds it will increase the risk of a foot and mouth

outbreak in the area.

But the festival committee has been given the backing

of the local farmers, provided precautions are taken.

Keith Owen, Chairman of the festival committee met a representative of

farmers in the Dale, "None of the local farmers have voiced objections.

We've agreed to put out disinfectant mats at strategic points through out

the dale and we'll be spraying vehicles coming into the festival field," he

said.

"Obviously if the situation deteriorates drastically, we will have to

reconsider."

The event kicks off in the evening on Friday 27 August with a disco and a

band in the marquee on the festival field.

A rounders tournament and a

barbecue on the Saturday will followed by "Friendly Fortunes" in the marquee

and a disco.

Sunday features a craft fair and a mixed cricket match between the "Sun"

and the "George and Dragon" with a treasure hunt around the village in the

evening.

The gala is on the Monday 27 August.

It starts with a procession

from the village green followed by sports and a craft fair on the festival

field.

Despite the setback of foot and mouth, the organisers hope to use this

year's festival as the foundation for the future development of the Dent

festival.