Local scientists believe the probable cause of the recent outbreak of BSE among Salmon in the River Coquet, is the leaching of beef extract into the river. Further investigation has revealed that the same substance was causing the discoloration of the Tyelaw Burn between Shilbottle and Eastfield. Originally thought to be caused by the annual Washing of Feet ceremony in Shilbottle but the water was discovered to have a much different flavor. The "pollution" has been traced further back to its source in the old mine workings at Whittle and has resulted in the discovery of the world's largest reserves of natural Bovril. The Bovril will be bottled as it is brought to the surface at Whittle but eventually a pumping station under construction at Deanmoor will enable national distribution by pipe line. After poring over all available manuscripts, lawyers for the Duke of Northumberland found no mention of Bovril rights and have had to concede that, since Bovril is not a mineral the whole of the reserves belong to the people of Alnwick District. Further to that the Morick magistrates court has decreed that the people of Alnwick District have the right to extract the Bovril from any of the Duke's salmon or trout which have gorged themselves for centuries on our heritage. At the opening ceremony of the mine the Lord Mayor of Hampeth, Mr. Bill Plodger, raised a toast "to Bovril"