News that the controversial badger culling to combat TB, which first began in Somerset, is being ended, has been welcomed by the RSPCA.

According to reports from the government, the culls which began in 2013, will be phased out and replaced with a vaccine program.

But the animal charity has also expressed regret that the culling, which was first rolled out into Gloucestershire, is not stopping immediately.

RSPCA Head of Wildlife Adam Grogan said: "We are pleased the Government has finally published its response to the Godfray review of its bovine TB strategy and we cautiously welcome the Government's announcement of a move away from culls towards badger vaccination, the development of cattle vaccination, more frequent and improved cattle testing, better management of cattle movements and incentives to improve biosecurity.

"However we note that badger culling in its current format is likely to continue for the next few years resulting in what we believe will be the unnecessary deaths of hundreds more badgers until 2025.

"We feel that proposed improvements to cattle based measures, along with badger vaccination, are the best solution for badgers, cattle and farmers.The badger cull has been cruel and ineffective and we have been calling for some time for an alternative strategy to control bovine TB that focuses on cattle which includes vaccination and improved testing.

"It is frustrating that culling will continue for a number of years in some areas and could potentially be used in the future but we are encouraged that the Government's strategy is moving in the right direction."

In September last year badger culling was extended to 40 areas including Bristol, Cheshire, Devon, Cornwall, Staffordshire, Dorset, Herefordshire and Wiltshire.