The escape could have damaged wildlife in the River Otter

Some 60,000 gallons of slurry, a potent pollutant which strips all the oxygen out of rivers, streams and ponds - poured out of a split in the farmer's 20-year-old slurry store.

But the spill was contained by an earth embankment (bund) around the tank installed by Jim Baker who farms near Ottery St Mary, 10 years ago as a precaution.

An Environment Agency (EA) spokesperson described Mr Baker, from Payhembury, as a "true guardian of the environment".

This incident is a timely reminder of the importance of checking and maintaining the condition of slurry stores John Hancock, Environment Agency

The spill could have seriously polluted the rivers Otter and Tale.

According to the EA there was enough slurry to kill substantial numbers of fish including brown trout, and the numerous insects living in the rivers.

Any spill would also have had an impact on other animals in the food chain.

Mr Baker confirmed that the cost of installing the bund has saved him money by averting environmental and legal damages.

"Farmer Baker's decision 10 years ago to build a bund around his tank has averted a major pollution incident of two rivers rich in wildlife and loved by many," said John Hancock, a Senior Environment Officer with the EA.

"Most slurry stores were designed for a working life of around 20 years and with many being first constructed in the late 1980s they are now reaching the end of their normal service life.