MORE public footpaths are to be reopened as the region continues to recover from last year's foot-and-mouth disease crisis.

The news follows a survey by the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) that means most paths can now be opened to the public, even if they cross farms that are still classified as restricted.

Keith Raine, regional operations director at the Newcastle disease control centre, said: "This can only be positive for the North-East. It has not only been farmers who have suffered throughout the last year."

Anyone walking in the countryside is asked to follow the following precautions:

Start your walk wearing clean footwear and clothing.

Do not approach, touch or handle the livestock.

Keep dogs on short leads while near livestock.

Take rubbish, including food, home.

Use disinfectant foot-pads or baths that the landowner provides.

Only paths that pass through farmyards or near farm buildings will remain closed