A controversial badger cull that began this week is being supported by South Craven MP Julian Smith.

About 5,000 badgers are expected to be killed in controlled shootings during six weeks in Somerset and Gloucestershire.

Supporters say the cull is necessary to tackle bovine TB, which can be spread from infected badgers, but opponents say it is inhumane and ineffective.

Mr Smith said: “We don’t want bovine TB in North Yorkshire, and it is good news the government is taking action to stop the spread.

“Agriculture is one of our key industries in North Yorkshire, and there is strong support for these measures across the farming community.”

The National Farmers’ Union said it hoped the initiative would result in a reduction in TB in cattle, and that more people would understand why the move was necessary.

But the RSPCA said it was “saddened” at the cull, and protesters held a vigil as it began on Tuesday night.