ASH from a mass foot-and-mouth funeral pyre could be stored in Teesside before being shipped out of the region.

Specialist contractors wearing protective clothing and air streamed helmets are expected to start work this week on digging up the ash from the former burning site at Hemscott Hill, near Widdrington, Northumberland.

It will then be taken in sealed containers by lorry to a rail freight depot in Middlesbrough, from where it will be transported by train to a landfill site, which has yet to be identified, elsewhere in the country.

Rail is being used because it is easier to move large quantities of ash by train than road.

A spokeswoman from Defra said that although the ash would be stored in Teesside it would not be there for any length of time because a burial site would be quickly identified.

The Hemscott Hill site was used to burn thousands of cattle over five years old, those most at risk of displaying BSE, and the ash has been lying there for almost two months.

The spokeswoman said: "Residents living close to the site do not have anything to fear from the ash being transported.

"Samples of ash have been taken from the site and have been analysed. The material is considered not to be dangerous and poses no BSE risk.

"It is more dangerous working with the ash and moving it from the pyres. Operatives doing the work will be fully protected to minimise the risk of inhaling dust. However, we would like to advise residents to stay at least 300metres upwind of the site because it can aggravate asthma.

"Everything is being done to minimise that sort of problem."

It is expected up to 200 lorries will take away the ash. The site will then be restored to a natural habitat.

The spokeswoman said: "All the ash will be sealed in special liners inside the lorries so there is no fear of leakage. Residents really do not have anything to fear."