A KILLER of the countryside is being targeted in a new campaign.

Ragwort is one of the most frequent causes of plant poisoning of livestock and can prove fatal, causing irreversible liver damage in horses, cattle and sheep.

Now Hambleton District Council is urging landowners to help to wipe out the yellow flowering weed from fields and grass verges.

Environmental health chairman Percy Featherstone said: "Ragwort is a killer. It must be completely destroyed as the seeds can lie dormant for up to 20 years.

"We are urging landowners to be extra vigilant. Animals can be at serious risk."

Ryedale District Council has also backed the campaign and environment chairman Elizabeth Shields said:

"It is vital that people pull the weed up, complete with roots and ensure that they destroy the plant."

Ragwort in grass verges can be reported to North Yorkshire County Council on (01609) 780780 and in agricultural land to MAFF on (01609) 773751