A 40-person strong delegation from the European Parliament is set to sweep across the region in a bid to hear fresh voices in the foot-and-mouth debate.

The delegation, set up as part of a nation-wide enquiry into the outbreak, will fly into Newcastle on April 17, travelling to Cumbria the following day to visit Longtown market and speak to local farmers.

A public meeting will be held at Gretna at 3pm that day.

On April 19, the group, which includes seven non-British members, six permanent British members and four substitute members, will meet at the Castle Green Hotel and hold a second meeting at the venue the following morning.

Members of Cumbria County Council's cabinet heard how one of the aims of the learning initiative was to hear from individuals effected by the crisis who had not yet had the opportunity to contribute.

Coun Donald Jefferson welcomed the emphasis on inclusion and told the meeting.

"So often it is the usual suspects who contribute to the debate... The ordinary farmer should have a chance to speak to the delegation and throw some light on parts of foot-and-mouth that have not been fully explained."