AFTER years of advertising in newspapers and on TV asking walkers to be considerate when using public footpaths and ensure they close gates after them, it seems this is still being disregarded by some.

Over the May Day bank holiday weekend a gate to our field in Middleton-in-Teesdale was left open, enabling a sheep and her lamb to get out and onto the road.

The mother was knocked down and seriously injured. She was unable to stand herself as her back had been broken. She was then dragged ten yards in what can only be described as immense and excruciating pain into our drive. She was left here with her baby lamb beside her as the driver fled without reporting the accident to the police.

Quite what kind of a disgusting person that takes… The sheep then had to wait in agony for hours to be shot later in the afternoon. Sadly, there was nothing else that could be done.

If anyone has any information about the accident, please will they inform Barnard Castle police.

Can we also remind people to be at their utmost considerate when using countryside public footpaths and fields, and ensure gates are closed behind them.

Liz and Ralph Dunn and family, Middleton-in-Teesdale.