FARMERS have won praise for following guidelines to keep public paths free of crops.

Rights of way officers from Durham County Council have worked with farmers on 100 paths trying to ensure they are not ploughed over, or overgrown by crops.

Senior rights of way officer Audrey Christie said it was the greatest number of paths tackled in a single season.

"Crops growing on public paths are a major deterrent to people using them, particularly in the summer months.

"Most farmers complied with their legal obligations after a visit from the team and we would like to say a big thank you to them all.

"Hopefully, regular walkers and riders will have noticed the difference this year, but there is still lots to do.

"Although this year has probably been our most effective, there are still many with crops growing on them that have to be followed up, but the seeds for future success have been sown," she said.

Councillor Bob Pendlebury, cabinet member for environment, said: "As a regular walker, I would like to thank farmers for maintaining these paths.

"It makes such a difference to the enjoyment of a walk if there is a clear path to follow."

During recent months, only one farmer is said to have ignored a second request to keep his paths clear, leaving the county council no option but to serve a notice which would have allowed the county council to cut the crops and charge the costs to the occupier of the land.

The farmer removed the crop from the paths before further action was taken.