Farmers and forestry experts say their crops, newly-planted saplings and fences are being "decimated" following an increase in the number of deer across south-west England.

The deer are being blamed for damaging woodlands and destroying crops, as well as wrecking expensive fencing and allowing other livestock to escape.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has set out plans to increase the culling of deer and to introduce more deer officers to advise farmers on management and potential firearms licences.