COUNTY council patrols started in the wake of the foot and mouth outbreak are being relaxed as worries about the spread of the disease reduce.

During the outbreak, Lancashire County Council trading standards and police undertook patrols to ensure that no illegal animal movements were taking place.

No breaches were found and councillors have welcomed the efforts of farmers.

Coun Jean Battle said: "It is a tribute to the livestock industry that they have supported the controls and no problems regarding illegal movements have been detected in Lancashire.

"Patrols are now being stood down and we hope to see a full return to normal animal movements and markets in Lancashire within the next few weeks."