A clean-up operation was initiated after aviation fuel stored at RNAS Culdrose leaked into a tributary of the Helford River.

A fault in a pipe leading to an aircraft fuelling dispenser caused the leak, which affected a stream near Pemboa, on the northern tip of the air station.

Ministry of Defence environmental services contractors were immediately calledin to contain the pollution and stop any further fuel getting into the watercourse.

Culdrose spokeswoman Doreen George said this week the contractors were continuing to skim the fuel from the surface of the water and ensuring there was no further seepage from the ground affected.

They were working closely with the Environment Agency and would remain on site until the job was completed.

An internal investigation into the leak is continuing at the air station.