YORKSHIRE and the North-East were today officially declared "low risk" areas for foot and mouth disease.

As a result farmers in the region can move livestock from farm-to-farm under strict biosecurity measures.

However, the all-important autumn sales - which the region's hill farmers rely on for a large slice of their annual income - still cannot take place.

Richard Ellison, North-East regional director of the National Farmers' Union (NFU), said their restoration was vital if a real crisis was to be avoided.

He estimated more than 360,000 cattle and sheep were due to be traded in autumn sales at local auction marts over the next few weeks.

He said: "This demonstrates how crucial this time of year is, when animals bred on the hills are moved to lowland areas before the onset of winter.

"While the relaxation of movement restrictions will not see the resumption of the autumn sales, it will allow farmers to trade directly with each other subject to conditions."

The conditions include thorough cleansing and disinfection of vehicles, compliance with normal animal identification and movement regulations, and a signed self declaration that the animals are free from signs of the disease.

For full story see The Northern Echo tomorrow