CHAMPAGNE corks popped at a Worcestershire farm this weekend as Rob Chilman celebrated saving his prize-winning dairy cattle from slaughter.

One hundred and forty cattle at Old House Farm in Tibberton were supposed to be killed as part of a contiguous cull.

But the defiant farmer, his family, friends and neighbours refused to let MAFF officials on to the farm - and now the 21-day slaughter deadline has passed.

"It would have been heartbreaking to have them slaughtered, especially when you know they're healthy," said Rob Chilman.

"We're very pleased to pass the deadline and MAFF has told us that they don't intend to come out.

"MAFF is so big and powerful, but once we started we knew we couldn't stop.

"It's a great step but we can't get complacent.

"There's still foot-and-mouth out there - it would be terrible to catch it now after this."

MAFF was twice refused permission to enter the farm and threatened Mr Chilman with a court injunction.

But if livestock have not shown signs of the disease, or been slaughtered within 21 days after the nearest outbreak - at Ravenshill Farm on Saturday, April 7 - then they are considered to be safe.

The refining of the Government's policy last Thursday meant that Mr Chilman was on the home straight, but he was waiting for Saturday's deadline to pass before celebrating.