Over decades, rivers had become so polluted by industry that nothing could live in them.

So the news that stocks of salmon and sea trout are at their highest level since 1946 is to be warmly welcomed.

Congratulations are due to the broad coalition of interests which has worked hard and consistently over many years to improve water quality in our rivers, to the extent that stocks of fish are on the increase.

Theirs is a considerable and valuable achievement. Doubtless more hard work lies ahead to maintain and build on this encouraging trend, but it will be worth it, and not only for the pleasure of seeing salmon leap as they head for spawning grounds.

Yorkshire's rivers are among its glories, whether they are viewed from a rural or an urban perspective. And the story they appear to be telling is hearteningly different from a few years ago. For if dead rivers spoke of decline, so healthy rivers tell a tale of a landscape being safeguarded and nurtured.