A river is starting to recover after it was polluted by pesticides, according to the Environment Agency.

Thousands of insects and fish were wiped out in the River Ouse at Sheffield Park, near Haywards Heath, last summer.

Eight months later, the Environment Agency says the river is gradually restoring its ecological balance.

The agency has been monitoring the recovery of the river's water chemistry and ecology.

The clean-up is complete and the concentration of pesticide in the water is at trace levels but it will be a long time before it is fully recovered.

The pollution and subsequent secondary infection which killed many of the weakened fish has had a significant impact.

Stuart Taylor, the agency's fisheries, ecology and recreation manager for Sussex, said: "The recovery is slowly progressing.

"We will continue to monitor the river until full recovery has occurred but this may take another year or more."

To report any problems with pollution, call the agency's hotline on 0800 807060.