FARMERS and farm workers in Northumberland have been praised for their co-operation during the recent Foot and Mouth alert.
Officers from the animal health team of Northumberland County Council's Trading Standards department have thanked members of the farming community in the county for their understanding during the last 11 weeks.
At times the team's telephone helpline was ringing non-stop as farmers rang for advice on the latest situation and how they could adjust their trading pattern to comply with new changes in legislation.
During this period the team received well over 1,000 requests for advice — more than four times the number they would normally expect to receive at this time of year.
Barry Taylor, team manager of Northumberland County Council's animal health section, said: "Now that Foot and Mouth movement restrictions have been lifted, we would like to thank everyone involved in farming after the difficult times of the last 11 weeks.