NORTH Yorkshire farmers were celebrating today after a French ban on British beef imports was ruled illegal by the European Court of Justice.

Now the region's farmers are calling for ministers in France to be hauled over the coals for the economic damage caused by the ban, prompted by BSE fears.

Derek Watson, who has a 100-strong cattle herd on his farm at West Knapton, said he thought the French should be penalised for their actions.

He said: "If you or I break the law we expect to be fined or made to pay for it. This shows that we are quite right, our beef is the safest in Europe, and probably the safest in the world."

Farmer Rosie Dunn, from Stockton-on-the-Forest, who is North Yorkshire NFU county vice chairwoman, said she was sceptical that the French would take steps to right the wrong. She said: "It's something that we knew we were right about all along, but whether the French will take any notice remains to be seen."

Updated: 10:27 Friday, December 14, 2001