Fears of a suspected foot-and-mouth outbreak near Hamsterley, County Durham, still loomed over the farming community last night.

Sheep at an unnamed farm have already tested positive, but the disease cannot be officially confirmed until the results of a second test later this week.

Despite the suspected case arising months after the last confirmed outbreak in the county, farming leaders have appealed for the community to remain calm.

Phil Barber, secretary of the local National Farmers' Union, said yesterday: "We can't really say anything until we get the results of the second test, but I don't think we should panic."

Officials have decided not to lift movement restrictions on animals in the area as a precautions. The so-called category D notices were due to be lifted this week.