THE Men in Black have celebrated initial victory over an alien species which is threatening to take over the countryside.
Stockton Borough Council's River Tees country wardens have been battling against giant hogweed on the river banks for eight years.
The plant, which is not native to the UK, can grow up to 12ft high, and when touched can make the skin blister and become sensitive to sunlight.
The fight against the giant hogweed began in 1992 when the country wardens focused on a dense jungle of the plants along the Tees, from the Stockton district boundary to Yarm Bridge.
The plant is originally from the Black sea and Caspian sea areas, but is now on rivers in this country, where it has poisoned seeds and roots of native plants and shaded out other vegetation.
Countryside warden Bob Brown has led the attack by cutting off flower heads, spraying, and bringing sheep in to graze
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article