AN EXPERT on ash dieback has been teaching students more about the tree disease.

Andrew Campbell, a plant health and seeds inspector for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), talked to students at East Durham College’s Houghall campus, near Durham City, about the disease, which has killed trees across Europe and spread to Britain.

He said: “A rapid analysis across the country showed us that yes we have got the disease here but it’s not widespread, it’s not everywhere and in the short term that’s good news.

“At the moment we can say that the disease is dormant in effect. Nothing has been spread. So the next phase for us comes next spring or early summer time.

“We need to see if the wilted, infected trees have travelled and if the disease has become fairly widespread.

“If so, then yes maybe we have lost this fight but I have a feeling people will be pleasantly surprised and in most of the country the ash are going to look exactly like they did last year.

“I am still positive and confident that we haven’t lost this fight.”