RELIEVED farmers are celebrating after foot-and-mouth restrictions were finally lifted from their farms.

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) officially lifted protection zones covering 299 farms in the Durham Dales, between Tow Law, Satley and Cornsay, and farms in Sacriston, yesterday.

The restrictions have been lifted because Defra has found no evidence of foot-and-mouth disease in the remaining animals in the area, and it means tight movement restrictions on people, vehicles and machinery will be relaxed.

Work is continuing to lift restrictions in the rest of Weardale and other areas of the county, and farmers are hoping this will be a matter of days.

Leslie Morgan, who breeds rare sheep and cattle in Tow Law, is still in a protected area.

She said: "My neighbour to the north has had his D restriction lifted and myself and my neighbour to the west haven't, as we are in a different zone.

"If all goes to plan, we have been told it should be lifted by Wednesday, but it could be as late as next Saturday.

"It will make life easier, but you still have to have licences to move animals and disinfect vehicles."

Arthur Griffiths, Divisional veterinary manager at the Newcastle Disease Emergency Control Centre, said: "I am really pleased for farmers concerned.

"The good news marks the steady progress and hard work that has been achieved by everyone concerned.

"Bio-security measures are still vital however.

"It is important that both farmers and the public observe good housekeeping guidelines so as to make sure foot-and-mouth disease does not spread.

Read more about the foot-and-mouth crisis here.