Inside the Somerset badger cull zone

Opponents of a proposed badger cull have held a candlelit vigil in Minehead to highlight the cause.

The National Farmers Union confirmed on Tuesday that a pilot cull in parts of the West Country is under way.

Supporters say it is necessary to tackle bovine TB, which can be spread from infected badgers, but those opposed say the science does not justify the policy.

Jeremy Cooke explains the background to the debate.