SHEEP farmers across Lancashire have issued a vital early warning to walkers: Don't disturb sheep and their young this spring.

"The warning is early but circumstances are critical for some of our members because of the depressed financial state of farming," said Jolyon Dodgson, regional director for the Country Landowners' Association in the North West.

"Members in the uplands worry about sheep disturbance from people out walking and the walking season is just around the corner with the approach of spring.

"The moorland areas of Lancashire are home to thousands of sheep and while many are brought closer to the farm to lamb, especially in harsh weather, others are still out in the hills. It is important for walkers to realise that every sheep in the hills belongs to someone and it does no harm to follow a few simple rules."

Mr Dodgson said that it is particularly important that dogs should be on a short lead.

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