Foot-and-mouth kills off B&Bs

Many of Britain's bed and breakfasts have closed because the foot-and-mouth crisis forced country lovers to stay away, a new guide shows today.

Last year's outbreak, along with serious floods, are believed to have contributed to the record 270 B&Bs lost from the new edition of The Good Bed And Breakfast Guide. The book, which features 1,000 establishments, shows that those in rural areas and small villages were hardest hit.

The good news is that the standard of B&Bs continues to improve, says the guide, as owners upgrade their premises and meals.