Cruckley Animal Farm, a popular visitor attraction in Foston-on-the Wolds, has been permanently closed by the owners after an outbreak of E.coli O157.

The family-run farm had been a firm favourite with school children and families for almost 25 years. But owners John and Sue Johnston have taken the decision to close the 60-acre site permanently after several visitors to the farm fell ill and a Health protection Agency investigation was launched.

John and Sue Johnston have spoken of their concern after learning that a number of visitors to the farm had fallen ill and their sadness at taking the decision to close.

Mr Johnston said: At Cruckley Animal Farm, the health and safety of our visitors has always been our top priority. We were therefore hugely concerned to hear that a small number of people had fallen ill having visited us. As soon as we were informed of this we voluntarily closed the farm. Naturally our thoughts are with the families concerned.

We have welcomed people onto our farm for almost 25 years and this is the first time we have experienced anyone becoming ill. We have been proud of the cleanliness and hygiene standards maintained across the farm, which we believe were in line with best practice.

Obviously we are very sad to close and would like to thank our staff and the thousands of people who have supported us over the years, he added.

It is believed that six cases of E.coli O157 have been linked to the farm and Mr Johnston said they are working closely with the Health Protection Agency to help them with their enquiries.