Farmers starting to plough after the harvest are being urged to restore public rights of way crossing their fields - or risk prosecution and heavy fines.

Yorkshire regional director for the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) Dorothy Fairburn advises that if a cross-field path or bridleway cannot be conveniently avoided, it must be made good.

"It is illegal to plough or disturb a field edge path at any time. Cross-field paths can be ploughed or disturbed, but must be made good to at least one metre (two for bridleways) within 14 days, or 24 hours if it's a further disturbance," she added.