A FARMER has spoken of his regret after slurry from his dairy farm spilled into a river, killing hundreds of fish.

Thomas Kemp appeared in court yesterday after pleading guilty to polluting the River Skerne, in Darlington, last May, killing 520 fish including brown trout and chub.

The court heard that the Environment Agency was called to Mill Bridge, Brafferton, following reports that the river had turned orange. Liquid had leaked from Mr Kemp's slurry storage after a pipe in the floor had become blocked and the leak starved the river of oxygen.

Solicitor Martin Woodford, on behalf of Mr Kemp, said the 50-year-old had done all he could to clean up the spillage.

He said: "Mr Kemp was showing prize cattle in Wooler when the Environment Agency notified him about the incident. By 12.15pm the same day he had contacted a private contractor to go on site at his own expense.

"He was back on the farm by 3pm and he and his son worked solidly around the clock for some four days to try and clean up the area."

Mr Woodford said that the clean-up had already cost Mr Kemp more than £2,600, including paying for restocking the river.

He said: "His attitude has been exemplary. Mr Kemp is a man who cares about his environment. He did not know there was a problem with the slurry storage."

Mr Kemp was given an absolute discharge and ordered to pay £400 costs by Bishop Auckland magistrates.

He said later: "There is nobody more upset about this than me. I have always done what I can to help the Environment Agency."

James Kirkup, from the agency, said damage was limited because a member of the public contacted it immediately.

Anyone who witnesses a pollution incident is asked to contact the agency's 24-hour hotline on 0800 80 7060.