THE countryside may be open again to the public, and farmers may now be cautiously optimistic following the end of the foot and mouth crisis, but one man has been left devastated.

That is because, for Swindon's Paul Vaughan, the epidemic has rendered him balti-less.

The 57-year-old moved to Germany with his work three years ago, and used to make regular flights home to see his family and stock up on supplies of his favourite food.

But the strict regulations on food exportation mean he can no longer pack his king prawns and chicken tikka masala dishes when he returns to work on the continent.

He does, however, make the nine-hour car journey back to The Curry Place in Rodbourne Road every month.

Paul, who is back in Swindon for the Easter weekend, said: "I used to take food back with me but since the foot and mouth crisis I haven't been able to.

"There are very stringent rules now and if you get caught taking food out of the country it would probably be worse than having cannabis in your bag.

"It takes a while to complete the journey but I choose to drive rather than fly since September 11.

"My favourite dish is probably king prawn balti."

Paul works as a European credit controller for Trespaphan, near Saarbrucken.

He used to work at the plastics wrapping firm's plant at the Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, which closed three years ago.

When he returns to Swindon he stays with his son Matthew in Linslade Street, conveniently just around the corner from the restaurant.

He added: "I expect to stay out in Germany for another few years. It is the gateway to anywhere in Europe. But I do miss my family."

Mahmod Ali, owner of The Curry Place, said: "We always like seeing Paul. He came in for a meal last night and was very impressed with our food."

The Curry Place can be contacted on Swindon 488562.