SHEEP have returned to the village of Hutton-le-Hole for the first time since the foot and mouth outbreak started earlier this year.

In March, the village gates were closed to stop the sheep coming in as a FMD biosecurity precaution. Now they are back and everyone is pleased as they not only give the village its unique look but also chomp away at the grass, keeping the village looking neat and tidy.

Parish councillor Kevin Simms said: "We are obviously pleased to see sheep back in the village and hope it continues. We have struggled all summer cutting the grass by hand."

He said the national park had been a great help and given the village one last cut before the sheep were let in about ten days ago. As the sheep returned, there was some confusion amongst them at first.

"They have access to go where they wish; they seem to wish to cross the road when a car comes," he said. "I'm pleased with the way they have settled down. It's part of Hutton's charm, a moorland village without any sheep just doesn't feel right."

Updated: 10:00 Thursday, November 15, 2001