Bird flu has been confirmed at farm near Haltwhistle and a protection zone has been put in place to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer confirmed H5N8 avian flu in a small flock of chickens at a farm near the town.

A 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the infected premises.

Among the flock of about 35 birds, a number have died and the remaing birds at the premises are being humanely culled.

A full investigation is under way to determine the source of the infection.

Public Health England advises that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency is clear that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.