5,000 sheep driven across Madrid

Spanish shepherds are leading flocks of sheep through the streets of Madrid in defence of ancient grazing, migration and droving rights threatened by modern life.

Jesus Garzon, president of a shepherds council established in 1273, said about 5,000 sheep and 60 cattle are crossing the city today to exercise the right to droving routes that existed before Madrid grew from a rural hamlet to an urban capital.

Following an age-old tradition, a chief herdsman paid 25 maravedis - coins from the 11th century - to use the crossing, Mr Garzon said.

Shepherds have a right to use 78,000 miles of paths for seasonal livestock migrations from cool highland pastures in summer to warmer grazing in winter.