Northumberland County Council animal health inspectors will be on hand on prime stock sale days to help explain the changes in rules for sheep tagging and subsequent record keeping.

The team will be at Wooler Mart on Wednesday and Acklington Mart on Thursday.

Malcolm Angus, senior animal health inspector with the council's Trading Standards, said: "New rules from Defra came into force on January 11 and there may be some confusion as to their application.

"When legislation is relaxed a little, as it has been this time, it can take as long to adapt to the changes as it can when it is increased.

"We are delighted to be able to help out with face-to-face meetings with individuals so they can operate the new system and make it as simple as possible."

Subjects that can be covered range from the new rules for tagging sheep to six-day standstills, five-mile areas, record requirements, Sole Occupancy Authorities and Isolation Units.

Also included will be advice and assistance in obtaining the Transporters Authorisation and the accompanying Competency Criteria.