A SPECIALIST sports shoe firm is on its last legs because of the devastating knock-on effect of foot and mouth disease.

David Comer, boss of the Burnley-based Fell Dancer shoe company says he has seen his entire order book wiped out since the crisis broke and people were restricted from going into the countryside.

He said all the four-strong staff -- including his partner Eric Wrathall -- at his Northbridge House, Elm Street works had been laid off.

And he warned that if there was not a dramatic improvement in the situation over the next month, the business, which once looked like it was heading for a record year, would fold completely.

Now he is calling for government help to bail his company out of crisis.

He says the firm, which manufactures specialist sports shoes for fell and cross country running and orienteering, operated in a niche market, selling around 60 pairs a week.

It's sister firm Lancashire Sports repairs which also operates out of the Elm Street site, and repairs fell boots and rucksacks, had also been devastated by lost orders. "We supply more than 80 shops all over the country, but all the orders have dried up -- cancelled because shops just cannot sell them in the foot and mouth crisis. We have nothing on our books at all and some deliveries have even been sent back because the shops can't sell them at the present time."

Mr Comer, 42, who set up the repair side of the business in Bacup six years ago says he has written to MP Peter Pike calling for Government help in the crisis.

"The government has said it will help farmers and is looking to help other industries damaged by foot and mouth.

"I want to know if there is any subsidy for people like us."

Mr Comer added: "My business has been ruined by this outbreak and will close completely unless something happens."