Kidney-failure twins had weeks in hospital

Health code for petting farms

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Her son, Aaron, suffered acute kidney failure and still needs a feeding tube, she said yesterday. And his twin, Todd, still has only 80 per cent kidney function.

Jill Greenfield, a partner at law firm Field Fisher Waterhouse, representing at least 25 children caught up in the oubreak, said: "From the evidence in the report, it does appear that at every possible level there were fundamental failings.

"Many of the children I am representing suffered significant pain and distress and continue to require medical treatment. We will not know for many years whether or not they will require further dialysis and/or kidney transplants."

Paul Bettison, chairman of the Local Authorities Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services (Lacors), said those affected "deserve sympathy" but added: "The important thing now is to establish the right middle ground between safety and enjoyment for millions of children."

The National Farmers' Union said: "This report is underpinned by a desire by the committee to provide recommendations that are 'practical and proportionate'.

"This is essential if we are to avoid draconian regulations which could limit the enjoyment of farms by tens of thousands of people each year."