RAMBLERS are openly disobeying regulations to keep out of the countryside during the foot-and-mouth crisis, despite threatened fines of up to £5,000.

Hill walkers are continuing to flock to beauty spots around the North-East - with Roseberry Topping, in the Cleveland Hills, proving particularly alluring.

At the weekend, farmer David Wilmot-Smith, 57, suffered cuts and bruises during a confrontation with a walker he asked to leave his land, near Selby, North Yorkshire.

A 32-year-old man has been arrested and released on police bail.

Although confrontations have been avoided elsewhere, dozens of walkers are thought to have slipped through the net into the national park in the past few days - even though wardens have been posted at all popular access points.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council last week closed all footpaths, bridleways and country parks - including access to Roseberry Topping - with notices and security tape placed across all the entrances.

Council leader Councillor Dave Walsh said: "The risk of foot-and-mouth, and the subsequent trauma this has caused for local farmers who are already concerned about the future, far outweigh what may only be a few days' inconvenience for walkers.''

Three people were seen returning to their cars from the restricted area covering the hill at the weekend, although wardens were pleased that the number of cars was well down on the average of 50 a day.

David Brewster, head of the park service for the North York Moors, said: "We did not have mass flouting of the regulations, but inevitably we did have a few individuals.

"We were absolutely staggered on the whole at the good response."

Trippers are still turning up at Goathland, the location for TV's Heartbeat, where sheep wander the village.

Disinfectant-soaked mats have been laid across the road to decontaminate vehicle tyres.

Darlington Borough Council confirmed that signs warning people to stay away from the countryside have been torn down by vandals, including at Middleton St George and the Broken Scar picnic area.

"The signs have been replaced, but we would stress to people that they are there for a reason and we would appreciate their co-operation," said a council spokesman.

Meanwhile, runners preparing for the London Marathon and Great North Run are being urged to keep to within towns for their training runs.

John Brant, secretary of the Darlington Harriers club, said yesterday: "We would urge people to keep to the towns, main roads and parks, as long as they are not out-of-bounds.

"We will do all we can to help. It's going to be a bit annoying, but it's something we have to put up with.