By DAVID COULTER

Last updated 15:51, Thursday, 02 October 2008

NORTHUMBERLAND County Council has thanked the speedy clean-up effort by farmers across the county after the worst flooding to hit the area in 45 years.

Two weeks ago, the county council, along with One NorthEast and other agencies, stepped forward to support those farms where sheep has drowned.

This week they extended their gratitude to the farmers who fully co-operated in the rapid disposal of the carcases.

Senior animal health inspector at the county council Malcolm Angus said: “It is a testament to their strength of will and determination to get back to normal as quickly as possible that the clean-up process went so well.

“We’d also like to thank the agencies that have been involved in responding, particularly One NorthEast and the National Farmers’ Union.”

The majority of the carcases are thought to have been disposed of through the county council’s collection point in Wooler.

Farmers were also helped by emeregncy funding granted by One NorthEast.

Head of strategic economic change at One NorthEast, Chris Pywell, said: “This support has helped farms during a particularly challenging time to achieve a rapid and effective clean-up.”