THE town's Conservative MP claims a Himbleton farm is being used as a funeral pyre for Worcestershire animals infected with foot and mouth.

Peter Luff has received complaints from residents about acrid smoke coming from Saldons Farm which fell victim to the virus on April 10.

Nearly 2,000 sheep were slaughtered.

Mr Luff believes the pyre, which was lit before the weekend, is catering for animals from outside the area.

A Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food spokeswoman said: "With many stock it can take three to five days for the pyre to burn and it can continue to smoulder."