Specialist contractors from Northumberland County Council set about the task on Friday, after the mammal had washed-up just north of Beadnell Bay four days earlier.

The council had been in discussions with Natural England about moving the creature, estimated to weigh around 25 tonnes, after it beached on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which has rare flora and fauna, and also part of the Berwickshire and Northumberland Coast European Marine Site. Approval from the Receiver of Wrecks – who works on behalf of the Crown – was also needed before the carcass was removed.

The whale, a juvenile male, had to be dissected on the beach before it could be transported for rendering, a process which salvages usable products from waste meat and fat.

Andy Rutherford, head of neighbourhood services at the county council said: "This tragic occurrence has shown one of the more unusual roles that the council has to take and the actions of ourselves, our partners and our contractors have meant that the process has gone as smoothly as was possible.

"We have been very conscious of ensuring that our actions have, as far as possible, avoided distress to local people, and any damage to the environment.

"We would like to thank all agencies who have been involved, including Veolia Environmental Services, John Warren ABP and MJ Hickey plant hire."

Adam Warren, from John Warren ABP, managed the removal process and admitted it was one of the most unusual requests the business has had.

"It was an incredibly sad event," he said.

"However, we have succeeded in avoiding needing to landfill and managed the process in the most environmentally-friendly way possible through recycling and reuse.

"By ensuring close liaison with Natural England and adjacent residents the process was swift and efficient with no damage to the SSSI."