FARMERS have been cautioned not to cut corners during harvest.

The advice comes from the North East Farm Safety Forum. Vice-chairman Graham Oddy said he had been very concerned to learn of five farm fatalities in the region in recent weeks.

"Two died while clearing blockages in combine harvesters, one man died when his tractor overturned, another died when he was run over by a baler, and a man was crushed to death by falling bales.

"The message is clear: no one can afford to cut corners in the next few weeks."