ENVIRONMENTAL bosses say the impact of a diesel spillage on farmland has been "minimal".

But it has been revealed that the fuel, which leaked from a 10,000-litre tank after a theft at Huntley Gate Farm, Whalley Road, Samlesbury, spread up to three miles.

Farmer Eddie Cowpe's diesel tank was raided by thieves, who left the tap running causing thous-ands of litres to spill onto the land.

Mr Cowpe set up a drainage system in a bid to limit the damage, and the Environment Agency was called to the scene to assess the danger.

Now Mr Cowpe has been praised for his actions in averting an environmen-tal disaster.

A spokeswoman said: "It appears that the ecological impact of this incident has been minimal.

"However, we are contin-uing to keep an eye on the situation.

"Although the diesel spread over a significant distance - perhaps three to four kilometres - we have not received any reports of it reaching the River Ribble.

"We believe this is thanks in part to the swift actions of Mr Cowpe and our environment officers who deployed absorbent booms and pads quickly in an attempt to prevent further contamination."

The theft took place last week - amid fears that rising fuel prices are creating a black market. It is unclear how much diesel was stolen.

Mr Cowpe said: "It is the first time something like this has happened to us.

"The problem is whoever did this could have just filled up a 25-litre drum and made off, yet it has cost me thousands.

"It is a complete act of stupidity and vandalism."

Red diesel is sold to farmers without any VAT added on to it.

It costs around 60p per litre and is treated with a liquid red dye which makes illegal use simple to uncover.

But with the price of regular diesel rocketing to around 130p, temptation could lead to farmers becoming targets.

A Lancashire police spokesman said: "We would remind farmers to be extra-vigilant in the current climate."