Restrictions on moving stock around the second worst-affected county were lifted at midnight on Monday and the way cleared for exports to be resumed.

The announcement was made by officials at the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Farmers' leaders expressed their delight at the news.

'Dark shadow lifted'

Anthony Gibson, director of the National Farmers' Union for the South West, said it was the news everyone had been waiting for.

"It's a huge relief, it's wonderful news," he said.

"A long dark shadow has been lifted from the Devon countryside.

"The plague has passed, we're free, it's a wonderful feeling."