Villagers have criticised plans by the UK's biggest coal producer to shoot wild deer near a restored Northumberland opencast site.

UK Coal wants to cull a herd of roe deer close to the Maidens Hall mine, near Ashington, which is being restored.

The company says the animals are causing serious damage to thousands of young trees.

But villagers in nearby Widdrington say there is no need to kill the deer.

UK Coal has opencast mines in Northumberland

UK Coal says hides will be erected in woodland near Widdrington from which deer numbers will be reduced with a high-velocity rifle.

The company says limited culling is needed to prevent a population explosion.

Valerie Seddon, chair of Widdrington Village Parish Council, said: "UK Coal says the deer are devastating the plantation, but we can simply see no evidence of this.

"There are very few deer. Two of them are semi-tame because local people look after them and they actually come into my garden.

"We are trying to regenerate this area following years of opencasting and the foot-and-mouth carcass disposal operations.

'Population explosion'

"Shooting the wildlife, one of our few remaining assets, is unacceptable."

She also said locals were "frightened" by the thought of a high-powered rifle being used near homes.

A spokesman for UK Coal said: "Our objective will be to maintain a vibrant, healthy herd of wild deer for the ongoing enjoyment of local residents.

"A small amount of culling is required from year to year to avert a population explosion, maintain a healthy herd and minimise damage to the many thousands of young trees becoming established in the area."

He said the firearms and hides had been inspected and approved by Northumbria Police.