Project to tackle water pollution

An adviser is to work with farmers to cut the risk of pollution to a Cumbrian lake and three rivers.

Environment Minister Elliot Morley said Bassenthwaite Lake and the rivers Waver, Wampool and Eden had been identified as priority areas.

The adviser will work on a one-to-one basis with farmers as well as leading initiatives to encourage best practice.

The aim is to improve farming practices and protect plants and animals by reducing water pollution.

In Cumbria, Karen Austin has been appointed to work with farmers in the Bassenthwaite Lake area.

Cumbria area manager for the Rural Development Service, Simon Humphries, said: "This is very good news not just for the water catchments involved, but also for farmers.

"These advisers will work very closely with the farming community to secure positive and sustainable benefits all round."