Pollution-hit river replenished

Hundreds of fish died after storms forced sewage into the river in July

Thousands of fish are to be released into a South Yorkshire river to restore stocks killed in a freak pollution incident last summer.

About 10,000 fish will be taken from an Environment Agency farm in Nottingham and released at various locations along the River Don on Wednesday.

In July thousands of fish were killed after a collapse in the river's water oxygen levels.

The Environment Agency said a further re-stocking was planned for March.

Fisheries team leader Pat O'Brien said the move would boost the river's natural recovery.

Angler talks

The fish were originally destined for other rivers in West and South Yorkshire.

Ms O'Brien said: "We have a three-year programme which targets rivers and still waters that would benefit most from restocking, but we have changed this programme to stock those rivers in greatest need."

She said Environment Agency officers were also talking to local anglers to encourage them back to the riverbank.

In July the low oxygen levels were a result of dry weather followed by heavy rain which caused sewage from storm overflows to enter the river.

The fish will be released at locations in Kilnhurst, Conisborough, Thrybergh and Sheffield city centre.