ONE of the North-East farmers caught up in the foot-and-mouth crisis has written an open letter to all those involved in the culling of his cattle.

Jeff Horn, of Ivy Court Manor Farm, Cowpen Bewley, Teesside was told last week that his animals were infected.

Mr Horn, 56, who farms with his wife, Anne and their son David, 29, had to watch as his 1,200 cattle and 500 sheep were slaughtered.

In his letter he thanks all those who helped destroy the animals and prays other farmers will not have to go through the same devastating experience.

* The letter reads:

"To all the people involved, my thanks for doing a very depressing and thankless job.

To the vets, Eileen O'Neil and Danny Holmes, so professionally handled.

To the Army, Captain Holden and staff, a credit to the British Army.

The three slaughter teams provided by Joe Simpson, just like his meat, excellent.

The drover team led by Andrew Atkinson, I wish I had a dog half as good.

To the Brigadier, all my apologies as I was very abrupt when you came to say that you were slaughtering.

My close mates, my soul mates, my whole life's work: Blackie, Tracy, Neil and all the others, please rest in peace.

My heart goes out to my fellow farmers, the people waiting with this burden on their shoulders and the farmers who have already had this traumatic time.

My prayers go out to all of you."