HIGHWAY chiefs have issued a road safety warning to ramblers.

Most public rights of ways and footpaths in County Durham remain closed to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth, so walkers have been enjoying the scenery from the roads.

But Durham County Council chiefs fear they may be putting themselves at risk from traffic.

Chris Tunstall, director of environment and technical services, said: "We are delighted that the foot-and-mouth crisis hasn't stopped ramblers from enjoying the fresh air and exercise that a walk in the countryside can afford.

"While we are pleased that the vast majority of them are acting responsibly and confining their walks to metalled roads, we would hate to see any of them involved in an accident.

"We are strongly urging walkers to keep well into the right hand side of the road and walk single file where the roads are particularly narrow."

He also urged motorists to take extra care on rural roads