Thousands of chickens are due to be slaughtered on a farm near Banbury later today following an outbreak of bird flu.

The outbreak - the first in the county - was discovered at Eastwood Farm, between Shenington and Shutford.

The Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens said yesterday preliminary tests on chickens at a premises were positive for the H7 strain.

Defra veterinary officers have suspended the movement of all poultry in the area.