The French market, which was to have been the Coventry city centre's Easter highlight, has been postponed because of the foot and mouth epidemic.

The market, which would have involved about 30 traders, was to have run through 12 April, Good Friday and Easter Saturday in the Precinct. Stalls would have sold a variety of French goods including bread, cheese, crafts and jewellery, mainly from the Normandy region.

Liz Millett, Chief Executive of the City Centre Company which runs and promotes central Coventry said:

"We felt we had to show solidarity with the farming industry, which has suffered so terribly from this disease among its animals.

"Coventry is surrounded by rural areas, a fact which was brought home by the decision to cancel the Royal Agricultural Show at Stoneleigh in July.

"The 'France At Home' market was perfectly willing still to come, but its organisers fully understand our decision to take a safe course of action.

"They have agreed to return to Coventry to stage a three day market later this year."

It would have been the market's third visit to the city, but the first time as a stand-alone attraction.

Gillian Lawless, Events and Promotions Manager for the City Centre Company said:

"The market helped to draw great numbers to last year's Food Festival.

"People wrote to tell us they had brought their families into the city centre for the first time in decades and were pleasantly surprised by what was on offer. The market has built a very good reputation and we are certain it will prove very popular again.

"The market has been postponed because of its food content, but obviously this will have no impact on the other entertainment and events we have planned for the city centre."