WALKERS are being warned that not all footpaths are open following the lifting of foot-and-mouth restrictions.

The blue box zone restrictions around Hexham, Northumberland, and into parts of north-west County Durham, were lifted last week.

The move means people are free to walk on several paths that have been closed to the public. But Durham County Council is warning that not all routes are open to walkers.

Councillor Bob Pendlebury, cabinet member for environmental sustainability, said: "There is still a large section of the centre of the county where restrictions are in place. Other pockets are also subject to restrictions, so while more than 80 per cent of the county's footpaths are now open, people should check first.''

Paths to infected farms and those with direct contacts remain closed, but nearly all county-owned parks, picnic areas, railway paths and local reserves are open.

Only the Baybridge and Carricks picnic areas, near Blanchland, are still shut.

Coun Pendlebury said the re-opening of so many paths was good news but the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said remaining restrictions were there "for a very good reason''.

To check the County Durham paths that are open visit www.durham.gov.uk or call the countryside helpline on 0191-383 3452.