THE mayor and mayoress of Ledbury have cancelled a performance of Old MacDonald Had A Farm out of sympathy for the community hit by the foot and mouth crisis.

The well-known song, which lists all the animals living on a farm and includes farmyard noises, was to be one of the highlights for the Mayor's Concert in St Michael and All Angels' Church on Friday, April 20, at 7.30pm.

Mayoress Jill Jupp said: "It could be seen as being in bad taste and could upset the farming community."

The choir, The Stuart Singers, contacted the mayor and mayoress with their own concerns about the song.

Mrs Jupp said: "They suggested it should be taken out and we said yes, absolutely."

It will be replaced by another piece of music, still to be announced, although it is too late now to show the amendment on the programmes, which double as the tickets.

The concert itself will go ahead as planned, in aid of the Mayor's Charities, which are Ledbury in Bloom, Ledbury Carnival and Ledbury Parish Church.

The Gloucestershire-based Stuart Singers boast a varied repertoire from traditional pieces such as Handel's Hallelujah Chorus to the Dire Straits anti-war anthem, Brothers in Arms.

Programmes are £5, available from Ledbury Town Council offices and Ledbury Tourist Information Centre. A glass of wine is included in the price. For further details, ring 01531 635129.