March 2, 2001 9:48: SHOPPERS have been clearing supermarket shelves and butcher's shops of meat in fear of shortages as the foot and mouth crisis escalates.

Butchers and supermarket meat counters are recording increases in sales as people stock up, despite agriculture minister Nick Brown warning people not to panic buy and to remain calm.

"We have been busy all year but this is like a mini Christmas," said butcher Graham Hall, of Halls of Hazlemere, in Park Parade Centre, Hazlemere. He added: "People love meat and cannot live without it. I've got about enough meat to last for another two weeks and then if I cannot get anymore I will import it."

Steven White, manager at Safeway in Temple End, High Wycombe, said customers almost completely cleared out stocks on Sunday.

The Tesco store in Loudwater reports about a 30 per cent increase in its meat sales.

A spokesman said: "We have got plenty of meat and we have deliveries every day but there has been an increase of customers buying meat."

Meat sales have stopped altogether at the Thame Farmers Market.

Organiser Jimmy McBeth said: "The farmers are annoyed and worried about the situation.

"The market is continuing but without the meat stalls, and they won't be back until the scare is completely over."